SP411 Half Unit
Social Policy and Development
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Timothy Hildebrandt OLD.2.56, Dr Sunil Kumar OLD.2.55 and Dr Muzafferettin Seckinelgin OLD.2.27
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in International Social and Public Policy (Development). This course is available on the MSc in International Social and Public Policy, MSc in International Social and Public Policy (LSE and Fudan), MSc in International Social and Public Policy (Migration), MSc in International Social and Public Policy (Non-Governmental Organisations) and MSc in International Social and Public Policy (Research). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
All Social Policy Courses are ‘Controlled Access’. Please see the link below for further details on the allocation process.
https://info.lse.ac.uk/current-students/services/course-choice/controlled-access-courses
Pre-requisites
No prerequisites.
Course content
This course provides the analytical tools needed to understand and critically evaluate the key practical challenges of social development. A wide range of development contexts will be discussed using empirical research and case studies.
Key themes include: linking social policy theory, implementation and practice; making social protection effective; managing sector reform processes; projects and programmes, including design and evaluation; participation and community development; gender analysis; the impact of corporate social responsibility and social enterprises on poverty reduction.
Teaching
15 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the MT. 1 hour and 30 minutes of lectures in the ST.
Formative coursework
The formative work on this course is a mock exam. Students will receive feedback on their mock exam from their academic Mentor.
Indicative reading
- Barrientos, A. and D. Hulme, eds. (2008) Social Protection for the Poor and the Poorest: Concepts, Policies and Politics. London: Palgrave Macmillan;
- Dale, R (2004) Development Planning: Concepts and Tools for Planners, Managers and Facilitators, Zed Books;
- Green, D. (2008) From Poverty To Power: How Active Citizens and Effective States Can Change The World. Oxford: Oxfam International;
- Hickey, S. and Mohan, G. (2004) Participation, from tyranny to transformation? Exploring new approaches to participation in development. London: Zed Books;
- Midgley, J. (1995) Social development: the developmental perspective in social welfare. London:
- Sage; Rondinelli, D. (1983) Development Projects as Policy Experiments: An Adaptive Approach to Development Administration. London: Methuen;
- Thin, N. (2002) Social progress and sustainable development. London: ITDG; Willis, K. (2005) Theories and Practices of Development. London: Routledge.
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the January exam period.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Social Policy
Total students 2019/20: 45
Average class size 2019/20: 15
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: Half Unit
