Social Worlds, Social Policy

Unit code: ASS2002 | Study level: Undergraduate
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Footscray Park
N/A
Overview
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Overview

The unit provides an opportunity for students to develop and apply the skills of policy analysis and critique to current 'real world' policy issues. It focuses on the role of social policy in reshaping the everyday lives of ordinary citizens, social identities and the nation-state in these uncertain times. Utilising insights from contemporary theories about how we are governed through a range of institutions, social networks and governmental strategies, the unit explores the 'invented' character of various policy debates from selected fields such as, education, health, employment, and urban planning and emerging themes. Through these case studies, attention is directed to the categorisation of individuals and the processes through which they are treated as objects and objectives of government.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Appraise contemporary debates about social policy and civic life;
  2. Critically review the ways in which contemporary forms of governance are reshaping key social policy areas; and
  3. Interrogate key social policy documents by placing these with broader social contexts.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Review
|
Grade: 20%
Brief contextualisation of a key concept in social policy
Assessment type: Essay
|
Grade: 55%
Essay critically analysing a key issue in social policy
Assessment type: Exercise
|
Grade: 25%
Response to questions based on unit content

Required reading

Selected readings will be made available via VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.

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