Contemporary Social Problems

Subject 166-525 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Social Policy, the Master of Public Policy and Management or the Master of Criminal Justice Policy 100-point programs.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

To be advised
Subject Overview: This subject locates contemporary social policy and debates about its future in the context of the social, cultural and political changes associated with globalization. The subject focuses on individualisation, the changing relationship between individual and collective, and the implications for social policy and forms of social solidarity; the changing relationship between state and society; implications of emerging forms of risk, mobility and social diversity for social policy; emerging forms of inequality and social policy; competing moral grammars and changing patterns of citizenship; the implications of increasing social complexity for social policy; the relationship between social policy and international organizations; gender, race and social policy; and different social policy responses to globalization.
Assessment: A literature review of 2500 words 50% (due mid-semester) and a research essay of 2500 words 50% (due during the examination period).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject should have developed:

  • research skills, through the competent use of library and other information sources, and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research;
  • an understanding of the social, ethical and cultural contexts of research;
  • critical thinking and analysis skills, through recommended reading, essay writing, and seminar discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;
  • skills in written and oral communication, time management and planning, and group work, through completion of course requirements;
  • the capacity to think in theoretical terms, through class requirements and engagement with theories and methods of the social sciences;
  • the capacity to think creatively, through course work and course discussion, and by critical analysis of competing arguments.
Related Course(s): Master of Criminology (CWT)
Master of Social Policy
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Sociology)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Sociology)

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