Course Overview

Here’s a detailed semester course outline for

BASOCW Social Policy and Development (SPOLDV06)

(Designed for a 14–16 week semester, adaptable to contact hours)

Module 1: Introduction to Social Policy

• Definition, scope, and objectives of social policy

• Relationship between social policy and social development

• Historical evolution of social policy globally and locally

• Key actors in social policy formulation: government, NGOs, international organizations

Module 2: Theoretical Perspectives in Social Policy

• Welfare state theories: liberal, social democratic, conservative

• Developmental state and social policy approaches

• Rights-based approaches to social policy

• Critical perspectives on policy design and implementation

Module 3: Policy Formulation and Planning

• Stages of policy formulation: agenda setting, policy design, adoption

• Stakeholder analysis and participation in policy-making

• Evidence-based policy: research, data, and evaluation in policy design

• Challenges in policy formulation in developing countries

Module 4: Social Policy Implementation

• Mechanisms and strategies for policy delivery

• Decentralization and local governance in service delivery

• Coordination among government, NGOs, and private sector

• Monitoring and accountability in implementation

Module 5: Social Protection Systems

• Types of social protection: cash transfers, food aid, health insurance, pensions

• Targeting vulnerable groups: children, women, elderly, disabled

• Policy tools for poverty reduction and inclusive development

• Challenges and best practices in social protection

Module 6: Health, Education, and Employment Policies

• Policies for universal access to health and education

• Labor market policies: employment promotion, minimum wage, social security

• Gender and equity considerations in policy design

• Evaluation of policy impacts on social development

Module 7: Poverty, Inequality, and Social Justice

• Understanding poverty and inequality: measurement and indicators

• Social justice frameworks in policy development

• Policies to reduce social and economic disparities

• Case studies on effective poverty alleviation programs

Module 8: Global and Regional Policy Frameworks

• International frameworks: UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), World Bank policies

• Regional policies: African Union Agenda 2063, SADC social policies

• Comparative analysis of social policy across countries

• Lessons for local policy development

Module 9: Contemporary Issues and Challenges

• Urbanization, migration, and demographic changes

• Climate change and social policy responses

• Technology, digital governance, and e-services in social development

• Ethical dilemmas and political influences in policy-making

Teaching Methods

• Lectures, seminars, and group discussions

• Case study analysis of national and international policies

• Policy simulation exercises and role-play

• Field visits to government agencies, NGOs, and policy research institutions

• Research assignments and presentations

Assessment Methods

• Continuous assessment: essays, policy briefs, group projects (40%)

• Midterm examination (20%)

• Final examination or research project (40%)