166-516 Foundations of Social Policy

Admission to the Master of Social Policy one year program or fourth-year Honours in Sociology

The subject engages with contemporary theories of social inclusion and capital with an emphasis on networks and their role in community strengthening, community building and regional economic development. The subject also engages in the role these strategies have in larger projects of social policy reform such as the Third Way, the Partnership movement and "joined-up" government. The subject will engage in specific social policy issues (health, housing, welfare, employment etc) as a means to investigate the use of social capital and network analysis techniques.

• have developed research skills, through the competent use of library and other information sources, and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research;

• have developed an understanding of the social, ethical and cultural contexts of research;

• have developed critical thinking and analysis skills, through recommended READING, essay writing, and seminar discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• have developed skills in written and oral communication, time management and planning, and group work, through completion of course requirements;

• have developed the capacity to think in theoretical terms, through class requirements and engagement with theories and methods of the social sciences;

• have developed the capacity to think creatively, through course work and course discussion, and by critical analysis of competing arguments.

An essay of 2000 words 20% (due early in semester), take home paper of 3000 words based on weekly seminar material 30% (due at end of semester) and a 5000 word project 50% (due in examination period).

Course Pack