GSC2310

Social policy: untangling the threads

Will Crinall

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Gippsland and distance
* Prerequisites: GSC1305 and GSC1301

Objectives This subject will enable student to gain an understanding of the broad socio-political context of social policy while developing an awareness of the centrality of values in social policy. Students will develop an understanding of policy process and models of policy analysis and demonstrate an ability to apply this to a particular policy area.

Synopsis This subject provides an overview of social policy in Australia. It begins with an exploration of the normative aspects of social policy focusing on the concepts of social justice, freedom, equality and participation. The major institutional structures involved in social policy development in Australia are then examined with particular reference to the role of the state, the public service and political parties. Models of policy process and policy analysis are studied and then applied to particular policy areas.

Assessment Assignment one (2000 words): 40%
* Assignment two (3500 words): 60%

Prescribed texts

Davis G, Wanna J and Weller P Public policy in Australia 2nd edn, Allen and Unwin, 1993
Graycar A and Jamrozik A How Australians live: Social policy in theory and practice 2nd edn, Macmillan, 1993
Wearing M and Bereen R (eds) Welfare and social policy in Australia Harcourt Brace, 1994