This course will be taken in the final year and will allow students an opportunity to trace the links between social problems or needs and policy responses.  The structure of the course will allow the student either to explore the impact of a social policy or programme, or to start from the identification of a social problem (e.g. rural underdevelopment, community violence) and to examine policy alternatives.  It will require students to work in teams to conduct original or secondary research on the topic, to design or evaluate the relevant policy, and to meet with stakeholders to discuss the proposed or amended policy.

Students will be assigned specific readings that must be discussed in the seminars/group meetings that accompany this course.  These seminars will also include presentations on ethics and accountability in social programmes.  Course seminars will serve as feedback for every stage of the process.