Youth Policy and Theory in Practice

Subject 460-732 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Parkville Campus
For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 18 contact hours
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours self directed learning in the workplace and the wider community
Prerequisites: None
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
Subject Overview: This subject involves the analysis of theories and models of youth and youth development, including historical and cultural perspectives. The analysis will include the impact of social, economic and political changes on young people's lives in different settings. The content will outline key regional, national and international policies relating to youth (including health, education, leisure, justice, employment, income support and housing). The subject will identify gaps in policies and areas of misalignment with current theoretical development. It will examine new policy directions that take a cross-sectoral approach to youth development and that promote youth health, active citizenship and community participation. The subject will provide an overview of the policy development process and explore ways in which policy can be influenced.
Assessment: 4,000 word assignment or the equivalent (100 per cent)
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

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

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Critically analyse policy in relation to young people;
  • Influence the development, implementation and evaluation of policy in relation to young people; and
  • Demonstrate highly developed written communication skills.

On completion of this subject students will be able to:

  • Explain the ways in which theories of youth underpin youth policy across a wide rage of portfolios and sectors;
  • Analyse the effects of social and economic change on young people in different contexts and locations;
  • Identify and evaluate the impact of current youth policies at regional, national and international levels;
  • Identify gaps and misalignments in youth policy;
  • Analyse, apply and develop models of cross sectoral policy and practice in the youth sector; and
  • Describe the policy development process and ways in which professional can influence policy.
Related Course(s): Master of Youth Health and Education Management

Download PDF version.