The Social Policy of Attlee Governments, 1945-51 (ES0026)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-3-AttSoc

This course is taught through 11 two-hour seminars. The course examines the main issues and factors shaping the economic and social reconstruction of Britain in the period 1945 to 1951. The Labour government elected towards the end of the Second World War nationalised major industries, established the National Health Service and the Welfare State, was faced with persistent balance of payments crises, and laid the foundations for post-war defence policies. Here, particular attention is paid to the context, considerations and processes framing its decision-making in the areas of social policy. The impact of wartime plans for welfare and educational reform is traced, along with the actions of the Attlee governments in areas such as social insurance, health care, and housing. In examining the process of policy formation, considerable use is made of such economic concepts as principal-agent theory and information asymmetries, although no prior knowledge of economics is assumed.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Visiting students should normally have 3 to 4 History courses at Grade B or above.

? Prohibited combinations : May not be taken together with 'The Economic, Industrial and Social Policies of the Attlee Governments, 1945-51'

Variants

? This course has variants for part year visiting students, as follows

The Social Policy of Attlee Governments, 1945-51 (VS1) (Not being delivered)

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Economic and Social History, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	16:10	18:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the period, students should be able to demonstrate;
- An understanding of the factors shaping policy formation in the immediate post-war years.
- An appreciation of the relevance of key economic theories to the processes of policy formation.
- An insight into current discussions on the role of the state in providing and financing health care.
- The ability to construct arguments, coherently and cogently expressed, through written work.
- The ability to present arguments clearly and reason verbally through seminar presentations and discussions.
- Student-led seminars are intended to develop the presentation and verbal skills of participating students.
- Written assignments are intended to develop the literary skills of students and their ability to construct coherent argument and analysis.