Social scientists are concerned not just with identifying and describing social issues, but with engaging in research and policy action which seek to improve the conditions under which we live.  Participation in the process of social policy development provides the mechanism through which change can occur. But such change is hardly straight forward or rational. While countless people make daily demands on the public purse for social change, some interests are progressed over others.  How can this be so? This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to effectively analyse and participate in the policy process.

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

i) Define major conceptual frameworks for social policy.

ii) Identify the interest groups and processes involved in the development of social policy.

iii) Identify and critique policy and governance frameworks relevant to critical arenas of social policy

iv) Understand the role and limitations of public policy in social change. 

i) Essay of 1,500 words on the key concepts covered in the course 30%. [LO 1]

ii) Essay of 3,500 words in which students apply the concepts to a particular area of Australian public policy 70%.  [LO 2, 3, 4] 

There will be one two hour lecture and one one hour tutorial every week. Students will be expected to undertake 6 hours independent learning each week.

12 units of 1000 level SOCY or POLS courses or with permission of lecturer.

Appropriate first year courses.

TBA

N/A