Issues in public policy
Chris Chamberlain
12 points
* 2 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
Objectives Students in this subject will have the opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge of a particular area of public policy; understand how sociological theories and research techniques can be used to inform and evaluate policy decisions and choices; think critically about the role of sociologists and other `experts' in the policy-making process; to improve their written and oral skills in presenting and evaluating ideas in a policy context.
Synopsis This subject will focus on a particular policy area to illustrate the role of sociological theory and research in the formulation of public policy. In 1997, the subject will focus on the sociology of housing and homelessness, with particular reference to Australia and the United States since 1950. The subject will use sociological theories and concepts to help clarify policy issues, and to think about the broader context in which policy decisions are made. It will also examine the role of research in the formulation and evaluation of public policy.
Assessment Two exercises (2000 words each): 20% each
* Research
paper (5000 words): 60%
Recommended texts
Davis G and others Public policy in Australia 2nd edn, Allen and Unwin, 1993
Hoch C and Slayton R New homeless and old: Community and the Skid Row Hotel Temple U P, 1989
Kemeny J The great Australian nightmare Georgian House, 1983
Maher C and Burke T Informed decision making: The use of secondary data sources in policy studies Longman Cheshire, 1991
Murie A and others Home ownership in transition Unwin Hyman, 1990
Neil C and Fopp R Homelessness in Australia: Causes and consequences CSIRO, 1992
Richards L Nobody's home: Dreams and realities in a new suburb OUP, 1990
Rossi P Down and out in America: The origins of homelessness U Chicago P, 1989
Saunders P A nation of home owners Unwin Hyman, 1990
Watson S (with H Austerberry) Housing and homelessness: A feminist perspective Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1986
| Published by Monash University, Clayton, Victoria
3168 Copyright © Monash University 1996 - All Rights Reserved - Caution Authorised by the Academic Registrar December 1996 |