Dr Sonia Exley, OLD 2.65

Optional for MPA Public and Social Policy/MPA Public and Economic Policy/MPA Public Policy and Management/MPA International Development/MPA European Public and Economic Policy, MSc Social Policy (Research), MSc Public Management and Governance and MSc Social Policy and Planning.

The course considers education policy, reforms and financing across developed countries.. It uses concepts and tools from a range of academic disciplines - economics, politics, social policy, philosophy and sociology - to scrutinise education, with a particular focus on equity, social justice and the redistribution of resources.

Issues to be addressed include: the impact of social characteristics on educational outcomes (class, 'race'/ ethnicity, gender, special educational needs/ disability) and related policy reforms; market-oriented reforms in education; privatisation and the changing role of the state; ; power and the politics of educational policy making; global policy transfer in education and the global distribution of educational resources; early years education; school-based education; higher education and adult learning.

10 lectures and 10 seminars during LT. Three seminars in ST.

Students will be expected to make at least one seminar presentation.

Specialist lists for each topic will be provided. The following books are recommended: H Lauder, P Brown, J Dillabough, A H Halsey (eds), Education, Globalisation and Social Change, Oxford University Press, 2006; J Le Grand & W Bartlett (Eds), Quasi-Markets and Social Policy, Macmillan, 1993; M Coleman & L Anderson (Eds), Managing Finances and Resources in Education, Paul Chapman, 2000; A West & H Pennell, Underachievement in Schools, Routledge Falmer, 2003. S J Ball, The Education Debate. Policy Press, 2008.

One written assignment of no more than 2,000 words (25%) to be submitted during the first week of the ST. A two-hour written examination in the ST (75%).