Critical Social Policy (SOCI90004)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | April |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject gives students a comprehensive understanding of how to critically unpack and analyse social issues and social policies. It provides an introduction to contemporary social theories and perspectives such as governmentality theory, critical race theory, feminist approaches, decolonial perspectives, and comparative welfare state theory as these are applied as critical lenses to better understand policymaking. Moving through a series of policy areas, the subject allows students to develop a thorough understanding of how these issues are framed, debated, and resolved in Australia and internationally. The subject also gives students conceptual tools based on current case studies of decision making for NGO sector and governmental organisations.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should:
- Demonstrate an ability to critically analyse social policies
- Demonstrate an understanding of how contemporary social theories can inform critical, social analysis
- Demonstrate an ability to critically consider the ways social policy constructs 'social problems' or frames certain issues as demanding intervention.
Generic skills
- Research skills, through the competent use of library and other information sources, and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research
- An understanding of the social, ethical and cultural contexts of research
- Critical thinking and analysis skills, through recommended reading, essay writing, and seminar discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument
- Skills in written and oral communication, time management and planning, and group work, through completion of course requirements
- The capacity to think in theoretical terms, through class requirements and engagement with theories and methods of the social sciences
- The capacity to think creatively, through course work and course discussion, and by critical analysis of competing arguments.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
This subject is compulsory in the Master of Social Policy and Head of Program approval is required for enrolment by Community Access Program (CAP), Inbound Exchange/Study Abroad or Incoming Cross-institutional students.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
A literature review
| During the teaching period | 20% |
A research essay
| During the examination period | 80% |
| Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures where offered. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Additional details
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- April
Coordinator Jens Zinn Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 hours: Two 2-hour of seminars from the teaching start week for six weeks. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 14 April 2025 to 30 May 2025 Last self-enrol date 23 April 2025 Census date 2 May 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 30 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 April contact information
Associate Professor Jens Zinn jzinn@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Total of 170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
- Links to additional information
Last updated: 4 March 2025