Ageing, Society And Social Policy

Subject SOCI90006 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

March, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 11-Mar-2016 to 13-Mar-2016
Assessment Period End 02-May-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 11-Mar-2016
Census Date 25-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 15-Apr-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: This subject is comprised of seminars and workshops delivered as an intensive over 3 days (approx 32 hours total)
Total Time Commitment:

Total of 170 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Social Policy, Sociology, Public Policy

Non Allowed Subjects:

Students who completed PPMN90003 Social Policy: Special Topics in 2011 are not permitted to enrol in this subject.

Core Participation Requirements:

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/

Coordinator

Prof Simon Biggs

Contact

biggss@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject offers an opportunity to critically consider the place of older adults in contemporary societies and in social policy. We will examine together how adulthood, from midlife on into deep old age, is socially constructed and the ways in which particular aspects of adult ageing are emphasised in the policy arena. To this end, the subject involves three elements: Firstly, an introduction to key concepts and theories that can be used to understand adult ageing. Secondly, an examination of social problems associated with later life. Thirdly, some of the policy approaches aimed to address problems as identified. Students will be encouraged to reflectively examine their own experience, national policy frameworks and professional practice as part of this process

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject students should have an appreciation and understanding of:

  • the different ways in which adult ageing is socially constructed;
  • how to apply concepts from social gerontology to a variety of policy settings;
  • the influence of adult ageing on personal identities;
  • the influence of adult ageing on intergenerational relationships;
  • the relationship between social structures, cultures and ageing;
  • the problems of ageing societies and their relevance to the helping professions;
  • the influences affecting national and international policy on ageing.
Assessment:
  • A report of 2,500 words (50%) due in early April.
  • A final essay of 2,500 words (50%) due in early May.

Hurdle requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, Lecture/Seminar attendance is compulsory for all classes. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available on LMS.

Recommended 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 subject students should:

  • be able to demonstrate competence in critical, creative and theoretical thinking through essay writing, seminar discussion and presentations, conceptualising theoretical problems, forming judgments and arguments from conflicting evidence, and by critical analysis;
  • be able to demonstrate proficiency in the application of policy analysis skills to empirical problems;
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the academic protocols of research and presentation.
Related Course(s): Master of Public Administration
Master of Public Administration (Enhanced)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
100 Point Master of Social Policy
150 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
150 Point Master of Social Policy
200 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
200 Point Master of Social Policy

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