WS5005 - Social Policy Analysis

Credit points:	03
Year:	2013
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Arts & Social Sciences

The subject explores the social and political context of social work practice; the nature of contemporary social policy formulation and the forces that influence and shape its development. This subject provides a series of frameworks and analytical tools for understanding the social policy-making process, including formulation, implementation and evaluation. Case studies are used to develop a critical understanding of differing responses to social policy issues and problems.

Learning Outcomes

• develop a critical understanding of the social policy-making process;
• develop an appreciation of the link between policy processes and the organisational and practice context;
• develop critical skills in understanding and interpreting policy formulation, implementation and evaluation processes;
• become familiar with a number of competing models of social policy;
• be familiar with a range of key concepts, values, principles and choices employed in the study and analysis of social needs and social policy.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner;
• The ability to appraise information critically;
• The ability to use independent judgment to synthesise information to make intellectual and/or creative advances;
• The ability to communicate the methodology, results and implications of their research in a manner appropriate to different purposes and audiences.

Availabilities
External, Study Period 2
Census Date 29-Aug-2013
Coordinator:	Ms Amanda Nickson
Method of Delivery:	and WWW - LearnJCUPrinted materials
Assessment:	essays (40%); online quizzes throughout semester (30%); policy analysis report (30%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.