Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information
for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Youth Policy and Social Welfare |
| Unit code |
SPOL22022 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
I/5
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Fahmy |
| Open unit status |
Open |
| Pre-requisites |
None
|
| Co-requisites |
None
|
| School/department |
School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Description including Unit Aims
This unit provides an in-depth understanding of the complex and changing relationship between young people and society and the ways in which this relationship impacts upon young people's prospects and routes to adulthood. In particular, this unit provides an overview of the key policy developments affecting young people in the UK and internationally today. The unit focuses upon the drivers of policy change by exploring the relationship between policy and wider social changes in the context of youth transitions, and how these relate to wider theoretical developments in the social sciences.
This Unit aims to provide students with:
- A thorough understanding of the key policies affecting young people’s lives and transitions to adulthood
- An appreciation of the dynamic relationship between policy and wider changes in the social context of young peoples transitions to adulthood in the UK and internationally
- A critical awareness of the links between theory, evidence and youth work practice in shaping contemporary youth policy
- An understanding of the ways in which the experience of youth is differentiated by social inequalities of gender, class, ethnicity and sexuality
Intended Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this unit students should be able to demonstrate:
- An understanding of the changing nature of youth transitions in recent decades and how this relates to wider theoretical perspectives on the dynamics of social change
- A critical awareness of current policy challenges in relation to the delivery of youth social welfare, youth inclusion and youth justice
- An understanding of the links between policy, theory and practice in understanding youth identity, youth careers and transition trajectories
- An awareness of the applications of a range of different research methods in understanding youth and youth transitions
Teaching Information
Lecture and class discussion.
Assessment Information
Formative assessment:
An essay of 2,000 words
Summative assessment:
An essay of 3,000 words. The list of essay titles will be available at the start of the unit.
Reading and References
- Cieslik, M. & Simpson, M. (2013) Key Concepts in Youth Studies. London: Sage.
- France, A. (2007). Understanding Youth in Late Modernity. Buckingham: Open University Press.
- Furlong, A. (2013) Youth Studies: An introduction. London: Routledge.
- Furlong, A. & Cartmel, F. (2007). Young People and Social Change (2nd Ed.). Berkshire: Open University Press.
- Kehily, M. (Ed.) (2007). Understanding Youth: Perspectives, Identities & Practices. London: Sage.
- Pole, C., Pilcher, J. & Williams, J. (Eds.) (2005). Young People in Transition: Becoming citizens? London: Palgrave.
- Roche, J., Tucker, S., Thomson, R. & Flynn, R. (Eds.) (2004). Youth in Society: Contemporary Theory, Policy and Practice. (2nd Ed.). London: Sage.
