Social Policy: Government, Wealth and Welfare (7534.5)

The unit develops abilities in policy analysis by comparing Australia's social policy environment, processes and performance with those of selected countries. A multi-disciplinary and problem-centred approach is adopted that takes into account sociology, economics, political science and demography. Problem areas examined include the trade-offs between poverty, equality, efficiency and liberty; the growing impact of long-term unemployment; the design and operation of social welfare systems; and the dilemmas of health policy.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Develop a working knowledge of key concepts and ideas in the study of social policy, including the role of ideology, values and theory;
2, Demonstrate an understanding of social policy processes in Australia;
3. Reflect critically on a range of contemporary social policy issues;
4. Demonstrate the capacity to research, present and critically reflect on social policy issues;
5. Engage in discussions on the complexities of researching and resolving social policy issues; and
6. Demonstrate UC graduate attributes, in particular the ability to persuasively communicate positions on social policy, and think independently.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

675 Politics and Democracy OR 9548 Introduction to Politics OR 8296 Introduction to Politics and Government OR 9549 Introduction to Western Political Thoughts OR 6606 Government-Business Relations OR 6607 Introductory Sociology