Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This subject introduces students to a range of issues relating to the formulation and delivery of public policy and in particular, social policy. In doing this, it covers contemporary and historical Australian examples.

Objectives

Students successfully completing this subject will develop:

• a working familiarity with the major policy issues and debates in Australia;
• a good understanding of the Australian policy formation process;
• a basic knowledge of the relationship between sociological knowledge, social research and the policy process;
• an understanding of the relationship between research and argument in policy development;
• skills in identifying appropriate research methods for particular policy issues;
• skills in research design for policy issues; and
• skills in reading and analysing social policy research and understanding its strengths and limitations.

Assessment

Two seminar presentations (2000 words each): 40%; Research paper (5000 words): 60%.

Chief examiner(s)

Sandy Ross

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prohibitions

SYM5065