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Social Policy: Special Topics A (PPMN90003)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
March
Overview
Availability | March |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Special Topic: Changing Labour Markets and Social Inequality
Labor markets have undergone substantial changes over the past decades. Trends of globalization, de-industrialization, increasing (youth) unemployment, changing gender roles and demographic ageing have transformed substantially the nature of employment relationships and work in advanced economies. Labor force has become more diverse in the composition of workers – with more women, older workers and immigrants – while more divided by people’s education, race and gender. In this subject we will investigate how changes in the labor market institutions, as well as changes in the organization and composition of workers have produced disparities in careers, wages and labor market dynamics within and across generations over the past decades. To address these issues, the subject combines insights from sociological and economic labour market theory, ranging from classic human capital and job search models to more sociological approaches that emphasize the structure of organizations and institutions within a comparative perspective. We will use this theoretical background to discuss more recent empirical work about e.g., changing work and employment relationships; transformation of job histories and careers; the rising wage and gender inequality; the role of welfare states and institutions; discrimination in the labour market; and the intergenerational transmission of (dis)advantage. Through active in-class discussions, quizzes and exercises students will learn how to interpret labour market theories and critically assess empirical work.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject students are expected to:
- Name, define and interpret basic concepts and components of labor market theories;
- Have a critical understanding of the sources and consequences of changing labour markets for individuals working lives, their employment opportunities and the fortunes of their families;
- Reflect upon and critically discuss recent empirical work;
- Provide a thorough and critical analysis of literature on this topic.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should:
- be able to demonstrate competence in critical, creative and theoretical thinking through essay writing, seminar discussion and presentations, conceptualising theoretical problems, forming judgments and arguments from conflicting evidence, and by critical analysis;
- be able to demonstrate proficiency in the application of policy analysis skills to empirical problems;
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the academic protocols of research and presentation.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Public Policy or Sociology at Undergraduate level
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- A research paper of 1000 words, on a question as guided by the subject co-ordinator (20%) due 2 weeks after the delivery of the subject.
- A research essay of 4000 words, on a question as guided by the subject co-ordinator (80%) due 8 weeks after the delivery of the subject.
- Hurdle requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, Lecture/Seminar attendance is compulsory for all classes and regular class participation is expected.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- March
Principal coordinator Emily Porter Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours This subject will be taught intensively from 9:00am - 5:00pm over 4 days. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 31 March 2017 to 8 April 2017 Last self-enrol date 31 March 2017 Census date 21 April 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 27 May 2017 March contact information
Time commitment details
Total of 170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Readings will be provided online through the subject's LMS site prior to the commencement of the subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation PD-ARTS Public Policy and Management Specialisation (formal) Public Policy and Management Informal specialisation 150 Point Master of Public Policy and Management Informal specialisation Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced) - Public Policy and Management Informal specialisation 100 Point Master of Social Policy Informal specialisation 150 Point Master of Social Policy Informal specialisation 200 Point Master of Social Policy Informal specialisation 100 Point Master of Public Policy and Management Informal specialisation 200 Point Master of Public Policy and Management - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 3 November 2022