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SPSW3414

Australian Social Policy

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Not available in 2012

Previously offered in 2011, 2009, 2006

Provides an opportunity for students to examine key themes in social policy using Australian material. The starting point for the course will be the debate over the nature and extent of class, wealth inequality and poverty in Australia. The course will then track the extent to which governments in Australia at the national level have attempted and succeeded over the past thirty years in using interventions in social policy fields to reduce the incidence of income poverty and associated inadequacies in standard of living and quality of life. The course will analyse the forces and interests that have limited government efforts to improve the absolute and relative position of the less well-off and the worst-off.

Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be expected to demonstrate an ability to

(i) conceptualise and empirically document inequalities in economic and social conditions and the gender, ethnicity and geographical patterns in these inequalities;

(ii) conceptualise and document the variation in the way these inequalities are perceived and interpreted by organised pressure groups and other participants in the political and policy process;

(iii) analyse the key characteristics of government policy and action;

(iv) assess the impact of government policy and action on inequalities in economic and social conditions;

(v) contribute to class discussion and to achieve levels of analytical and written expression appropriate to an upper level undergraduate course.
Content
* Is Social Policy Relevant to Welfare Work?
* One Context of Social Policy: Class, Wealth and Income Inequality in Australia
* Social Policy in Australia: Overview and History
* Employment and Training Programs
* Income Support
* Housing-home ownership; public housing; vouchers; homelessness
* Health
* Child Care
* Aged Care
* Women and Social Programs
* Imposing the Competitive Market Model on Community Services
* Who Pays for Social Programs?: Taxation and Redistribution
Replacing Course(s)
HUMA3414 Social Policy in Australia
Transition
The course cannot be taken by students who have successfully completed HUMA2401 or HUMA3414.
Industrial Experience
0
Assumed Knowledge
20 units of study at 1000 level
Modes of Delivery
Internal Mode
Teaching Methods
Lecture
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments
1. One 1500 word assignment on questions relating to one coursepack reading (30%)
Essays / Written Assignments
2. One 750 word assignment on questions relating to one coursepack reading (15%)
Essays / Written Assignments
3. One 2000 word essay (due end of semester) (45%)
Group/tutorial participation and contribution
4. Participation in group discussion - 10%
Contact Hours
Lecture: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term