Social Policy and Development

Subject POLS40017 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 4 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

March, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 20-Mar-2015 to 22-Mar-2015
Assessment Period End 26-Jun-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 20-Mar-2015
Census Date 10-Apr-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 22-May-2015

November, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 23-Nov-2015 to 27-Nov-2015
Assessment Period End 15-Jan-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 24-Nov-2015
Census Date 04-Dec-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 04-Jan-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: March: approx. 20 hours comprising lectures and seminars delivered as an intensive (on campus). November: approx. 25 hours comprising seminars, smaller group workshops, and/or excursions, delivered as an intensive over the period of one week (off campus).
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours total

Prerequisites:

November intensive only: An application process applies for enrolment into this subject. Please contact the Faculty of Arts at arts-studentprograms@unimelb.edu.au for further information.

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Politics and International Studies or Sociology or Development Studies at Undergraduate level.

Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof John Francis Murphy

Contact

John Murphy
john.murphy@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject investigates the linkage between social policy and development (including economic development) within developing countries. It focuses on the roles played by states, markets and communities in the Asia-Pacific region in responding to key social policy issues such as poverty and welfare, unemployment, old age, health, disability, and the socio-economic position of women. The subject examines how different developing countries attempt to instigate social policy-related change via rational policy formation and implementation, public sector and community leadership, economic-driven change (such as micro-finance schemes), and working with international investment from firms, aid donors and NGOs. Elements of the subject will be presented in conjunction with the Universitas Indonesia and Gadjah Mada Universitas.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject students should:

  • have an understanding of the different ways in which social policy issues are described and addressed in developing countries in the Asia Pacific region;
  • have developed comparative policy analysis and research skills;
  • initiate networks with social policy professional and community actors in the Asia Pacific region.
Assessment:

MARCH:

  • A briefing paper (1,500 words), due two weeks after the intensive teaching period (30%);
  • A research report (3,500 words), due during the examination period (70%).

NOVEMBER:

  • A briefing paper (1,500 words), due 3 weeks after the end of the teaching period (30%);
  • A research report (3,500 words), due 6 weeks after the end of the teaching period (70%).

Hurdle Requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, Lecture/Seminar attendance is compulsory on all 4 days. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

A subject Reading pack will be available.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On successful completion of this subject students should:

  • be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;
  • be able to develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;
  • be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.

Notes:

Students enrolled in the November study period of this subject will not be eligible to graduate in the same year of enrolment.

Related Course(s): Master of Public Administration
Master of Public Administration (Enhanced)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point Master of International Relations
100 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
100 Point Master of Social Policy
150 Point Master of Development Studies
150 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender && Development)
150 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
150 Point Master of Social Policy
150 point program - full time over 18 months
200 Point Master of Development Studies
200 Point Master of Development Studies (Gender && Development)
200 Point Master of International Relations
200 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
200 Point Master of Social Policy
200 point program - full time over 18 months
200 point program - full time over 24 months
Gender and Development Specialisation - 150 Point Program
Gender and Development Specialisation - 200 Point Program

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