Comparative Social Policy

This subject is not offered in 2014.

120 hours in total

Sociology at the undergraduate level

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 uses a comparative approach to analyse key areas of contemporary social policy, with a focus on the reform strategies that emerged over the 1990s. The subject examines the different social policy responses that have characterised these strategies, and considers ways of evaluating policy models in key areas. It engages with social policy in Australia, Europe and North America, emerging social policy in Asia, as well as with the increasing role of international organizations. The subject focuses on key policy areas, drawn from family policy, health policy, employment policy, ageing and urban policies.

On successful completion of this subjects student should:

• be able to develop comparative analysis of continuity and change in social policy;
• have a knowledge of comparative studies of contemporary welfare regimes;
• be able to critically assess the role of international organisations in social policy.

A research essay of 2500 words (50%) due mid-semester, and a research essay of 2500 words (50%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On successful completion of this subject students should:

• be able demonstrate critical thinking and analytic skills, through research and written communication;
• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically, both orally and in writing;
• be able to display awareness and understanding of the social, ethical and cultural contexts of research and of our place as researchers.

This is a compulsory subject in the Master of Social Policy (100 & 200 point programs).