Module Details

Module Code: PLSC H8004
Full Title: Politics in Action
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( June 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Eileen Murphy
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: This module analyses issues of public and social policy
concern in Ireland. The module begins with a brief introduction to the theoretical
area of policy and the ideological perspectives underpinning it. The module then examines primary areas of public and social
policy, allowing students to gain an appreciation of these topics.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Define public policy and public policy-making
MLO2 Critique the various ideological perspectives underpinning public policy.
MLO3 Evaluate the roles of various actors and institutions involved in public policy making in Ireland
MLO4 Demonstrate a critical awareness of social issues and problems and outline the current policy response in Ireland
MLO5 Appraise the social, cultural and institutional factors accounting for policy change in selected areas
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
What is public policy?
n/a
Actors, institutions and processes
n/a
Ideological perspectives on public policy
liberalism, libertarianism, conservatism, socialism, social democracy, communitarianism, 'the third way'.
Equality of opportunity vs equality of outcome.
n/a
Irish Social policy influences
n/a
Contemporary welfare capitalism in Ireland
n/a
Policy exemplars 1: Education policy in Ireland
n/a
Policy examplars 2: Social welfare policy in Ireland
n/a
Policy exemplars 3: Health policy in Ireland
n/a
Policy Exemplars 4. Housing Policy in Ireland.
n/a
Future Directions for Ireland’s Social Policy
n/a
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A case study-based project on an Irish social policy area of relevance to the module presented in report format; approx. 2000 words
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Fifteen minute oral presentation and poster on a policy issue agreed by the lecturer in advance
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A case study-based project on an Irish social policy area of relevance to the module presented in report format; approx. 2000 words
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Fifteen minute oral presentation and poster on a policy issue agreed by the lecturer in advance
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Tutorial Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Considine and Dukelow. (2017), Irish Social Policy: A critical introduction., 2nd. Policy Press, [ISBN: 9781447329619].
  • Sandel, M. (2010), Justice: What's the right thing to do., Penguin, [ISBN: 9780141041339].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Wren, M. (2003), Unhealthy State: Anatomy of a Sick Society, New Island, Dublin.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Murphy, M.P.. (2014), Forty years of EU influencing Social Policy in Ireland - a glass half full, Maynooth University: Politics, Power & Society, Working Paper Series.
  • Irish Journal of Public Policy.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Denny. K. (2010), ) ‘What did abolishing university fees in Ireland do?’, UCD Centre for Economic Research Working Paper, WP10/17.
Other Resources