Geography and Public Policy (U00393)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : GEO-3-GEOGPUBPO

This course explores the key issues surrounding the relationship between geography and public policy in Britain today. The course falls into two main sections. The first of these is concerned with exploring the political nature of social policy in terms of its aims, functions and implementation, and how this relates to the social geography of the nation. The next section examines the growing debate within the discipline about the role of academic geography in the realm of public policy, including the arguments for and against a greater involvement by geographers in public policy research. The opportunities for, and factors militating against, the development, or consolidation, of a policy-based research agenda in geography are explored. Throughout the course students are encouraged to link popular political and media debates and current affairs with academic ideas and theories.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Geography, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

To provide an introduction to key themes, concepts and debates associated with, and employed in, British public/social policy.

To appreciate the complex relationship between public policy (and specific examples of policy) and the social, economic and political geographies of Britain.

To consider the arguments for and against a greater involvement by geographers in issues of public policy.

To think about how a geography of public policy might look.

To develop and improve student skills in essay-writing, discussion and oral presentation.