Social Policy and Development

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2013:

A total of 120 hours

Semester 2 only: An application process applies. Please contact the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences arts-gradstudies@unimelb.edu.au for further information.

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Politics and International Studies or Sociology or Development Studies at Undergraduate level.

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject investigates the linkage between social policy and development (including economic development) within developing countries. It focuses on the roles played by states, markets and communities in the Asia-Pacific region in responding to key social policy issues such as poverty and welfare, unemployment, old age, health, disability, and the socio-economic position of women. The subject examines how different developing countries attempt to instigate social policy-related change via rational policy formation and implementation, public sector and community leadership, economic-driven change (such as micro-finance schemes), and working with international investment from firms, aid donors and NGOs. Elements of the subject will be presented in conjunction with the Universitas Indonesia and Gadjah Mada Universitas.

On completion of this subject students should:

• have an understanding of the different ways in which social policy issues are described and addressed in developing countries in the Asia Pacific region;
• have developed comparative policy analysis and research skills;
• initiate networks with social policy professional and community actors in the Asia Pacific region.

A 1500 word briefing paper (30%) due two weeks after the intensive teaching period, and a 2500 word research report (70%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, Lecture/Seminar attendance is compulsory on all 4 days. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment that is submitted after the due date and up to 10 working days late without an approved extension will be marked on a pass/fail basis only. Assessment that is submitted later than 10 working days will not be accepted or marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject Reading pack will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;
• be able to develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;
• be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.