Critically evaluate the UK welfare provision and compare to welfare systems that exist outside of the UK

Module Title: Contemporary Welfare and Social Policy

Module Code: 326HSC

Assessment Type:

Presentation

Assessment Number:

1

Study Mode:

FT

Weighting:

Submission Date:

Choose Date

Submission Time:

Choose an item.

Campus:

CUC-CUL-CUS

40%

Introduction:

The aim of this module is to introduce social policy and its application in the UK, as well as making comparisons between UK welfare services and the rest of the world. It investigates the origins of social policies in the UK and their development as well as delivery mechanisms in contemporary society and the impact that policy has on service users. The many factors that influence social policy, including conceptual, political, and other agents of social change will be explored. Tracing developments primarily from 1945 to the present, students will compare and contrast major competing perspectives and examine key contemporary issues for policy makers, welfare recipients, providers and stakeholders.  Students will develop an understanding of sources of state welfare services and other diverse sources such as the market, family and voluntary sector

Completion of this assignment will address the following learning outcomes:

2

Critically evaluate the UK welfare provision and compare to welfare systems that exist outside of the UK.

3

Critically appraise key concepts and ideas from social policy.

5

Compare and contrast major ideological perspectives relating to the operation of social policy.

6

Critically analyse key contemporary issues for policy makers, welfare recipients, providers or stakeholders.

Module Title: Contemporary Welfare and Social Policy

Module Code: 326HSC

Task:

Policy debate 15-20 min (Groups of up to 4) with individual contribution assessed.

 In groups of 4 you have 15-20 minutes to conduct a debate on ONE of the below propositions:

• The funding crisis in the NHS shows that it is time to privatise healthcare

Or

• Older people need to pay for their own social care

2 of you will argue for a proposition, 2 against. The debate structure will be in 2 parts:

1. Opening arguments

Person A: 3 mins arguing FOR the proposition

Person B: 3 mins arguing AGAINST the proposition

Person C: 3 mins arguing FOR the proposition

Person D: 3 mins arguing AGAINST the proposition

1. Cross examination

Person A & C: 2 mins rebuttal to the points raised by opponents (or 2 mins questions from examiners).

Person B & D: 2 mins rebuttal to the points raised by opponents (or 2 mins questions from examiners).

Students will be marked individually during this task

Debating Tips

• Do not worry if you find yourself arguing for a position you do not actually agree with – in fact a good debater should be able to summarise their opponents case at least as well as their own.
• Given the limited time available it is important to be succinct; think about how to make your points clearly and convincingly.
• Carefully plan your argument in collaboration with your partner; ensure that you do not repeat points made by one another.
• Try and anticipate arguments that you think your opponent will make, so that you are ready to rebut them.
• When your opponents speak, make notes of their points and respond to them during the rebuttal period. If you can argue against specific points made by an opponent your own case will look stronger.
• However, remember that a debate is not an argument – it is not about winning at all costs. If an opponent makes a good point do not worry about conceding it, perhaps considering how this could be incorporated into your own position.

Guidance notes and considerations

• Ensure that you prepare well to ensure that you can make your argument within the time limit
• Be sure to draw on appropriate evidence to strengthen your case. This may take the form of statistics, academic studies or expert opinion.
• Agree the proposition your group will debate early and begin research and planning as soon as you can.
• Use tutorials and allocated class time to prepare and practice debating
• Ensure you have good communication and presentation skills

Module Title: Contemporary Welfare and Social Policy

Module Code: 326HSC