Contraception, abortion, and teenage pregnancy are the subjects of public controversy in Britain. This module takes these aspects of 'reproductive health' as its main examples. We will consider why contraception, abortion and teenage pregnancy became the subject of policy-making, and look at how policy about them has changed over time. Attention will be drawn to areas of debate that are currently particularly controversial, to encourage students to consider the ways in which policy could develop.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
Optional module for
BA Social Policy and joint honours Social Policy programmes
BA Health and Social care
Available as a wild module
Main assessment methods
Coursework - Essay (2500 words) - 50%
Examination - (2 hours) - 50%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
Luker K (2006) When Sex Goes to School, Warring Views on Sex - and Sex Education - since the 1960s, New York/London, W.W. Norton and Co.
McLaren A (1990) A History of Contraception, From Antiquity to the Present Day, Oxford, B Blackwell
Sheldon S (1997) Beyond Control: Medical Power & Abortion Law, London, Pluto
Lee E (2003) Abortion, Motherhood and Mental Health, The Medicalisation of Reproduction in the US and Britain, New York, De Gruyter
Arai L (2009) Teenage Pregnancy, the Making & Unmaking of a Problem, Bristol, Policy Press
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Possess an understanding of competing explanations about how health policies emerge and are made.
8.2 Identify the main policy developments in Britain about contraception, abortion, teenage sex and pregnancy, and assisted conception.
8.3 Discuss the origins of these policy developments, drawing on relevant social scientific literature and empirical evidence.
8.4 Identify areas of current concern and debate their validity for the future development of reproductive health policy
8.5 Possess experience of doing research using library and on-line resources
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Conduct research, by using library e-journal and other on-line resources.
9.2 Organise and communicate information and arguments in a clear and coherent manner, through essay writing, and seminar-based group
discussion of completed essays.
9.3 Apply social science theory and research evidence to understandings of social problems and policy responses.
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