Governance and Social Policy

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 Hours

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

This subject provides students with a series of critical approaches to the study of social policy and governance in modern societies. The subject bridges theories from sociology, political economy and criminology to develop students’ capacity to provide a holistic analysis of the policies surrounding social issues in modern societies in the light of global socio-economic changes. The subject will help students to understand and examine the potential contradictions that state interventions and law implementation have for specific socio-demographic groups. In addition, the subject aims to enhance students' ability for critical and independent thinking about contemporary policy concerns.

On completion of this subject, students should have:

• an understanding of a series of critical theoretical approaches to the study of social policy and governance in modern societies;

• the ability to apply certain theoretical perspectives to a variety of policy issues;

• enhanced ability to critically assess current policy issues with respect to political processes and social outcomes

• developed their skills in a range of cross-cutting and transferable skills' areas, including: critically analysing evidence and using this to develop and support a line of argument; presenting information visually and orally; engaging in group discussion; cooperating in team work and team assessment; commenting on public debates; communicating with different audiences; searching for academic literature and writing an extended essay

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

Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject. 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.