introduction to the uniformed public services module guide 2012/13
DESCRIPTION
Modue guideTRANSCRIPT
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FdSc Uniformed Public Services 2012-13
SOUD1195
Introduction to Uniformed Public
Services
Module Guide
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Contents
Page
Contents .................................................................................2
1 Module Aims .......................................................................3
2 Module Team ......................................................................4
3 Teaching and Learning Strategy.................................................5
4 Assessment .........................................................................6
5 Date of Submission................................................................6
6 Definitive Module Record ........................................................8
7 Scheme of Learning ………………….……………...…………………………………………..10
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1 Module Aims
Welcome to module SOUD1195, Introduction to Uniformed the Public
services.
This module provides students the opportunity to gain first hand practical
experience of the workings of Public Services organisations.
The module aims to build on the theoretical elements of this and other
modules giving you a practical and real environment to practice and develop.
This module will provide you with the structure and skills to explore the
invaluable experiential learning opportunities which can be gained from the
experience of working alongside public service professionals.
A copy of the full Definitive Module Record for this module can be found at
the back of this guide.
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2 Module Team
This module will be led by:
Glyn Potter
Room UCG3
t 01803 540328 | e [email protected]
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3 Teaching and Learning Strategy
Crucially, the module content and delivery takes into account the
individuality and diversity of the learner - further recognising the value of
motivation and self-belief by creating opportunities for on-going critical
reflection and the practical application of new and ‘transferable’ skills which
will be relevant to a wide range of academic and employment contexts.
This module aims to ensure that students are equipped to understand the
dynamics of the public policy process, how it is likely to influence their
professional career and ways in which they can be engaged in the process.
It assesses policy relating the Uniformed Pubic services, with in the wider
context of the wider public policy process, taking account of recent
developments in public policy processes. It ensures professional relevance
through providing students with the opportunity to choose a case study
relating policy development to their professional or career aspirations.
This module is essentially student lead focussing on the benefits of work
experiencing in an environment as close as possible to their interests or
intended career choices, therefore it is a requirement of the module for
the student to attend a practicum placement.
Alongside a practicum placement which is integral to this module students
will participate in group discussions, seminars, research tasks and lectures.
A variety of teaching and learning techniques will be used in the delivery of
this module e.g. case studies, group discussion, individual and paired
research, seminars, presentations, in class projects and guest lecturers.
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4 Assessment
This module will be assessed through a 3000 word policy inquiry report &
presentation completed in small groups and a 2000 word Case study.
Policy inquiry report: 3000 word written report
Task One: (50%)
In small groups (makeshift policy research teams) you will evaluate the
public policy making process relevant to your chosen area of interest.
You will identify a specific policy and explore the process of this policy
from agenda setting through to the implementation & evaluation. Your
report will provide a full and detailed evaluation of the policy and
provide recommendations.
2000 word individual Case study - Public Services and the Policy Process
Task Two: (50%)
In relation to your practicum placements, examine ways in which the
organisation has participated in the policy process. This will involve:
Describe and evaluate the evolving structures and operational
priorities of the organisation as it interprets and responds to policy
change.
This case study will require students to engage in both a detailed programme
of reading relating to the policy process and extensive primary research
relating to the chosen organisation.
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5 Date of Submission
Policy Report 50%
Formative assessment:
Friday 11th January 2013
Summative assessment:
Wednesday 25th January 2013
Case study – 50%
Formative assessment:
Wednesday 22nd May 2012 0900 – 1100
Summative assessment:
Wednesday 5th June 2013
Submissions must be in-line with University of Plymouth and South Devon
College academic regulations. Any extenuating circumstances must be
applied for before date of submission. Failure to submit on time will result in
a nil grade.
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6 Definitive Module Record
UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH MODULE RECORD
MODULE CODE: SOUD1195 CREDITS: 20 LEVEL: 4
MODULE TITLE: Introduction to the Uniformed Public Services
PRE-REQUISITE(S): None
CO-REQUISITE(S): None
COMPENSATABLE WITHIN THIS PROGRAMME: Yes
SHORT MODULE DESCRIPTOR This module provides students with the opportunity to investigate and evaluate current Public Service
Sectors in line with their vocational aspirations and individual career route, enhancing employability.
ELEMENTS OF ASSESSMENT:
(C1)COURSEWORK 100%
Subject Assessment Panel Group to which module should be linked: TBC
Minimum pass mark for professional body accreditation: N/A
MODULE AIMS:
To allow students to acquire a knowledge of Uniformed Public Service Sectors
To develop transferable and employment related skills, including independence and responsibility
To provide an opportunity for students to apply the theoretical concepts studied to a real world
To provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate the current challenges facing various
services
ASSESSED LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of a module the learner will be expected to
be able to: 1. To explore the policy making process with regard to the uniformed public services
2. Describe the structure and operations of a public service workplace. 3. To evaluate current practices within Uniformed Public Services
4. To explore the current challenges facing Uniformed Public Service employment.
INDICATIVE SYLLABUS CONTENT: Health and safety
Confidentiality Accountability and responsibility
Employment law Trends and statistics
Current affairs Government Policy (related)
Policy making process – decision making, implementation and evaluation.
APPROVAL: DATE OF APPROVAL:
DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION: DATE(S) OF APPROVED CHANGE: XX/XX/XX
FACULTY: University of Plymouth
Colleges
SCHOOL:
PARTNER INSTITUTION:
South Devon College
(For FHSW) NAME OF SITE:
MODULE LEADER: Ken Fraser Term:
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Assessment Criteria:
Task One:
Briefly discuss recent macro level policy developments that have changed the policy
environment.
Examine the public policy making process relevant to your chosen area of interest, identify a
specific policy and explore the cyclical process of this policy from idea conception through to
the evaluation. You will need to explore the current challenges facing your chosen organisation.
Task Two
In relation to a Public Services organisation of your choice, examine ways in which the organisation has
participated in the policy process. This will involve:
Describe and evaluate the evolving structures and operational priorities of the organisation as it
interprets and responds to policy change.
This case study will require students to engage in both a detailed programme of reading relating to the
policy process and extensive primary research relating to the chosen organisation.
Assessment Mode:
Coursework 100%:
Schedule of Teaching and Learning: Contact: The module will include a variety of learning strategies including tutor and student-led inputs,
exercises for individuals and small groups, and a variety of discussions in both small and large groups.
Non-contact: Directed and non-directed reading, collection and review of information, discussion and
reflection about development in the work placement, preparation and completion of assessment task.
1.1.1 Recommended Texts and Sources
Anderson, A. (1993) Successful training practice: a mangers guide to self-development. Boud,. D. Keogh,. R. and Walker,. D. (1999) Reflection: Turning Experience into Learning. Kogan Page
Ltd Cottrell, S. (2003) Skills for Success: The personal development planning handbook. Palgrave Macmillan
Dorey, P. (2005) Policy Making in Britain: An Introduction. London: SAGE Guirdham, M. (2002) Interactive Behaviour at Work (3rd Edition) Financial Times: Pearson Education.
Hayes, J. (2002) Interpersonal Skills and Work. Routledge.
Hill, M. (2012) The Public Policy Process. New York: Pearson. Honey, P. (2000) Learning Log: A way to evidence Learning from Experience. Peter Honey Publications.
Pedler, M., Burgoyne, J., Boydell, T. & Welshman, G. (1990) Self-development in organisations. McGraw-Hill
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7 Scheme of Learning
Week Topic Suggested Reading
Topic /Activity
1 – 28 Sept Module introduction, assessment and
reading for the module.
Discuss career intentions and identify likely beneficial work placements.
Discuss how students are going to explore work placement possibilities and the
benefits to be gained from working in these environments.
Introduce think tanks and the policy
process.
Module Guide
Dorey, P (2005) Policy making in Britain.
Chapter 1. Hill, M (2012) Public
policy process. Chapter 1.
Guirdham, M. (2002)
Interactive Behaviour at Work (3rd Edition)
Financial Times: Pearson Education.
2 – 5 Oct Policy Making Process defining problems
and devising policies
Devising think tanks (policy research
teams)
Dorey, P (2005) Policy
making in Britain.
Chapter 2. Hill, M (2012) Public
policy process. Chapter 8.
3 – 12 Oct Policy Making Process organized interests and policy networks
Dorey, P (2005) Policy making in Britain.
Chapter 5.
Hill, M (2012) Public policy process. Chapter
4.
4 – 19 Oct Parliament & Policy Making Process Dorey, P (2005) Policy
making in Britain.
Chapter 6.
5 – 26 Oct The implementation of public Policy Dorey, P (2005) Policy
making in Britain.
Chapter 7. Hill, M (2012) Public
policy process. Chapter 9 & 12.
6 – 16 Nov Policy analysis and evaluation Hill, M (2012) Public policy process. Chapter
6.
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7 – 23 Nov Think tank inquiry Student generated research & reading
8 – 30 Nov Think tank inquiry Student generated
research & reading
9 - 7 Dec Think tank inquiry Student generated
reading and research
10 - 14 Dec Think tank inquiry Student generated
reading and research
11 – 11 Jan Visit to Parliament – and select
committee debate
Student generated
reading and research
12 – 18 Jan Formative assessment of inquiry report
Peer review
13 – 25 Jan Summative assessment of inquiry report Student generated reading and research
27th Feb Practicum seminar Students field notes
27th Mar Practicum seminar Students field notes
24th Apr Practicum seminar Students field notes
22nd May Practicum seminar Students field notes
The yellow sessions are on a Wednesday during tutorial