Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE SWP3524

 
TITLE Understanding and Applying Social Policy Analysis

 
UM LEVEL 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Social Policy and Social Work

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit is designed to provide students with the theoretical foundations and applied skills to prepare a basic policy document and to evaluate existing ones. The policy cycle will be explained, together with the process and tools required to define, measure and analyse a social issue; to identify and evaluate policy options; and to make recommendations in clear and useful prose.

Students will be introduced to the use of logical frameworks to ensure coherence of outcomes, outputs and activities, and clarity of risks and assumptions. They will also be guided through the process and criteria to evaluate existing policies for effectiveness, adeqacy, equity and efficiency.

Study-unit Aims:

This study-unit aims to equip students with the ability to identify and understand the choices made in the allocation, provision, delivery and financing of different policies and programmes.In addition, the study-unit will enable students to develop proficiency in drawing up policy position briefs on selected areas of social concern and to communicate effectively through written and verbal communication.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Describe the policy cycle, and illustrate, through assessment, the significance of each stage for policy impact;
- Critically appraise both rational and incremental approaches to policy making;
- Compare and contrast the purpose of different policy products;
- Construct a logical framework for a given policy problem;
- Apply the six-pillar approach to evaluating existing social policies;
- Critically appraise the construction of a social problem, from both functional and conflict perspectives;
- Assess policies for their unintended consequences, illustrating how these may be systematically anticipated at design stage;
- Explain and defend the ethical obligations of the policy analyst;
- Critically appraise the value of evidence-based policy-making.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Define and measure a social problem;
- Articulate the problem theory, using appropriate tools, and identifying both its causes and effects;
- Design a consultation process in respect of social policy development;
- Define succinctly the issues emerging from a problem and the sub-populations most affected by these issues;
- Identify clear, feasible costed policy options, and weighing and ranking them in terms of selected criteria;
- Design recommendations and a programme of implementation;
- Draw up a basic policy brief featuring all the above elements in correct policy style.

Main Texts:

- Hudson, John & Lowe, Stuart (2009). Understanding the policy process. Policy Press.
- Bardach E (2000). A Practical Guide to Policy analysis. The eightfold Path to More Effective Problem solving. London: Chatham House.

Supplementary readings:

- Knoepfel, P., Varone, F., Larrue, C. & Hill, M. (2007). Public Policy Analysis. Policy Press.
- Caputo, R. (2014). Policy analysis for social workers. Sage.
- Wildavsky, A. & Guy Peters, B. (ed.) (2018). The Art and Craft of Policy Analysis. Springer.
- Chambers, D. E. & Wedel, K. R. (2008). Social Policy & Social Programs. A Method for the Practical Public Policy Analyst.
- Gilbert, Neil and Terrell, Paul (2014). Dimensions of Social Welfare Policy (8th ed.). Pearson.
- Fischer, F. & Miller, G.J. (2017). Handbook of Public Policy Analysis: Theory, Politics, and Methods. Routledge.
- Gupta, Dipak (2011). Analysing public policy: concepts, tools, techniques. Sage.
- Spicker, Paul (2006). Policy analysis for practice. Policy Press.
- Heineman, Robert; Bluhm, William; Peterson, Steven; Kearny, Edward (2001). The world of the policy analyst. Chatham House.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM1 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit