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SOCY413 Social Policy

Updated: 07 January 2010
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study Online Level
Armidale Semester 1 Off Campus C - Internet access required
Armidale Semester 1 On Campus C - Internet access required
Intensive School(s) None
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites None
Restrictions PAIS311 or PAIS411 or POLS311 or POLS411 or PUBP311 or PUBP411 or SOCY313
Notes None
Combined Units SOCY313 - Social Policy
Coordinator(s) Habib Zafarullah (hzafarul@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit examines the historical background associated with social policy. It considers the concept of the 'welfare state' and notions relating to universalism and residualism. Contrasting ideological perspectives on social policy are discussed as well as the different frameworks adopted by various OECD countries. The distinctive approach to social policy issues in Australia is explored along with how the process of social policy making takes place. The unit also includes specialist study of specific policy areas, such as unemployment, health and education.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

Social Policy in Australia
ISBN: 9780195562866
McClelland, A. and Smith, P. (eds), Oxford University Press 2nd ed. 2010
Text refers to: Semester 1 , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Assignment 1 50% 3000
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-4 GA: 1-6
Final Examination 2 hrs 50%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-6 GA: 1-6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. identify a range of contemporary approaches, concepts/theories, and contexts of social policy and the 'welfare' state.
  2. understand the fundamental principles and processes of social policy making.
  3. reflect critically on the major developments in Australian social policy and make comparisons with overseas trends.
  4. analyse major socio-economic policy issues in the Australian and international context.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
The unit covers a wide area in understanding the various dimensions of the theory and practice of social policy, with particular focus on Australia. It will be taught and assessed through directed study and reading and in consultation with the supervisor and feedback on drafts of the essays or report. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
The unit emphasizes abilities in research, analysis, interpretation and exposition. These are the basis of assessment in the unit and assessed in all assessment tasks. 		True True True
3 Global Perspectives
The unit deals with the Australian case but in the context of global changes. It also emphasizes the comparative method according to which global similarities and differences can be appreciated. It is an assessed component of the assessment tasks. 		True True True
4 Information Literacy
Students are encouraged to develop research skills in collecting and evaluating data, including the skills to assess the utility of information, identify the most useful sources of information and critically examine those sources. It is an assessed component of the assessment tasks. 		True True True
5 Life-Long Learning
The unit introduces concepts and approaches which build upon students? prior knowledge and emphasizes skills in research, analysis, interpretation and exposition which will be usable in any area of future learning. It is an assessed component of the assessment tasks. 		True True True
6 Problem Solving
Students develop abilities to identify significant issues and themes, to explain their significance, and to present ?solutions? in terms of relevant interpretations. Problem solving is an assessed component of the assessment tasks. 		True True True
7 Social Responsibility
The unit deals with themes such as values and value conflicts in the social policy processes, issues of equity and social justice, and the effects of rapid social change. 		True True
8 Team Work
The unit encourages students to work collaboratively on unit content through Blackboard discussion for all students and class participation by on-campus students. 		True
   

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