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SPOL20210

Academic Year 2024/2025

Investigating Social Services (SPOL20210)

Subject:
Social Policy
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Soc Pol, Soc Wrk & Soc Justice
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Naonori Kodate
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module seeks to examine how one assesses the quality of social services, that is, how one works out how good they are at doing their job. It focuses in particular on the difference between an inputs-oriented versus outcomes-oriented approach to the analysis of social services and applies this framework to particular social services in Ireland and other OECD countries.

The module will begin with three weeks of lectures on the general characteristics of service evaluation, with particular reference to the performance-oriented approach. From week 4 onwards, the class will break up into smaller groups. Each group will focus on a particular social service area and, for a mid-term assignment, each member of the group will write a 1,500 word essay on the development of policy in that area in Ireland. Working collectively, each group will then seek to work out what it would mean to analyse that service in an outcomes-oriented way, and will produce a poster in which they present their findings on the service area they have analysed.

An indicative list of seminar topics can be obtained from the following link and shall guide registration for the seminars.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LDC1Ok_4zfjuqz4rpW_p9A0rid0rJ9ISxEFG0JJj7mE/

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:

• Grasp key terms and concepts in the analysis of social services, particularly what ‘performance orientation’ means, as distinct from inputs or process orientation;

• Develop a systematic understanding of the major issues in a particular social service area;

• Apply basic analytical techniques to the assessment of how social services perform;

• Learn how to work in a peer-group environment and design an academic poster targeted at non-specialists.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

45
Lectures

5
Small Group

40
Seminar (or Webinar)

10
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is provided through a mix of in-class lectures, group discussions and team-based learning (for creating group posters).

AI-powered tools can offer valuable support in academic writing, but students should learn both pros and cons of using AI tools, and know that they often give inaccurate and incoherent answers. When using AI tools, students in this module should ensure proper acknowledgment and transparency, clearly indicating the extent of AI assistance in the creation of their presentation materials and essays.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

There are no prior learning requirements, but core reading will be the following book and we highly recommend to by the latest edition:
Curry, J. (2011) Irish Social Services. Fifth Edition. Dublin: Institute of Public Administration.

https://www.ipa.ie/social-administration/irish-social-services-5th-edition.1394.html


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Social Policy Special Project (SPOL30240)


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Mid-term assignment: 1,500 word essay by each student on the development of policy and services in the service area they are studying in group seminars. To be completed by end of Week 6. Week 6 Graded No
50
 No
Group Work Assignment: Sub-groups of 4-5 students will design a one-page (A2 size) poster on the service they have analysed, and give an oral presentation in the final two sessions (Week 10 and 11). Week 10 Graded No
50
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Micheal Collins Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Orla Dingley Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Nat O'Connor Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 5 Week(s) - 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 6 Week(s) - 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
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