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.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Selected readings will be made available via VU Collaborate.
This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.