Detailed Information
SPOL20210 - Investigating Social Services* (Audit) - 2017
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. 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.
Semester 1
Level 2
Lectures: 6 Lectures up front: Tuesdays 10:00 - 11:00 and Thursdays 10:00 - 11:00.
Tutorials to be selected and to continue for the semester.
If you are taking this module for credit, please take note of the dates below:
Term dates for revision: Saturday, 1 December - Sunday, 9 December
Term dates for exams: Monday, 10 December - Friday, 21 December
Open Learning Fee (audit only) €350 per module
Open Learning Fee (with assessment) €500 per 5 credit module
Upgrading from audit to credit: You may upgrade from being an audit student to a credit student up to three weeks into term. Please note, however, that you can't change back to being an audit student - if you decide not to complete the assignments and/or sit the exams, this will appear on your academic record.
Concessions
There are no concessions available for Open Learning modules.
Refunds
Refunds may in some instances be available for extenuating circumstances, such as serious illness, within two weeks of the start of the module. Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing, with supporting documents where appropriate.
Dr Stephan Köppe