Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor Dr. Adam Stebbing adam.stebbing@mq.edu.au Contact via Email South Wing, Level 2, Hearing Hub By appointment Tutor Dong-Ju Lee dongju.lee@mq.edu.au Contact via Email
Credit points	Credit points 3
Prerequisites	Prerequisites (SSC100 or SSCI100) and SOC224 and admission to BSocSc
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This social science unit continues from where SOC224 left off, focusing on vocational application and approaches to social research for purposes of policy and planning. We cover key aspects of evaluation research, with a particular focus on practical tools (including program logic), research methodologies, report writing and the conduct of research in social science workplaces. In doing this, we link the social science foundations established in the first and second year courses with the vocational experience students receive through the internship program at third year. This develops generic and specific social science research skills required by graduates.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

build on existing knowledge about social science applications of qualitative and quantitative methods
consider what a multi-disciplinary approach offers to our understanding of public policy and program evaluation
understand how to develop program logic models through critical analysis of public policy
discuss the impact of values, stakeholder perspectives and politics in shaping evaluation research.
identify the role of evaluation research in ongoing cycles of planning, implementation and review.
understand how to identify and approach the wide range of ethical issues raised by evaluation research
explain issues around a range of important social and/or environmental issues
apply knowledge of evaluation research and policy planning to respond to 'real world' problems
competently access, use and synthesise information. This involves organising and summarising data efficiently, concisely and clearly.
display creative and critical thinking through workshop participation and written assessments
demonstrate effective time management and self organisation skills
reflect on how you have analysed information and solved problems, incorporating lessons into future work.
participate in group work to analyse research problems and design evaluation tools

General Assessment Information

Submission and return of assessments

Written assessments need to be submitted online using the Turnitin link on the SSC200 iLearn page. Assignments will be marked using Grademark. Where possible, feedback and results will be made available online within 3 weeks of the assessment being submitted (excluding assignments submitted before the due date) via Turnitin.

Late submissions - penalties and disruption to studies

Assessment tasks worth 10% or less of the overall grade for the unit. Students who have not submitted the task prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task, except for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved. No extensions will be granted.

Assessment tasks worth more than 10% of the overall grade for the unit. Students who submit late work without an extension will receive a penalty (5 per cent for the first day or weekend, 1 per cent for each day thereafter ). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved. No extensions will be granted.

Assessment Grades

GRADE	RANGE	STATUS	DESCRIPTION
HD	85-100	Pass	Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality, insight or creativity in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the program.
D	75-84	Pass	Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality or creativity in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the program and the audience.
CR	65-74	Pass	Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the program.
P	50-64	Pass	Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the program; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the program. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes.
F	0-49	Fail	Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the program.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Hurdle	Due
Online Quiz 1	5%	No	1st September
Program Logic Task	25%	No	14th September
Online Quiz 2	20%	No	13th October
Evaluation Research Proposal	40%	No	9th November
Course Participation	10%	No	Continuing

Online Quiz 1

Due: 1st September
Weighting: 5%

This online quiz will consist of 10 multiple choice questions. You will be asked to read each question and select the BEST response from the available options. It is designed to provide you with an early insight into how you are going in SSC200. It will draw on both the course readings and lecture materials.

The online quiz will become available on 28th of August and you can undertake the quiz until Thursday 1st September (at 11:59 pm EST). It will become available via the SSCI200 iLearn page. The quiz can only be taken once. You will be given 10 minutes to complete it.

More information will become available in the early weeks of semester.

N.B. In the event of technical difficulties, we ask you to take a screenshot if possible as supporting evidence. It is also your responsibility to contact course staff before the due date. We advise you to ensure that you can access the link to the quiz on 30th August at the very latest (without starting the quiz unless you want to).

On successful completion you will be able to:

consider what a multi-disciplinary approach offers to our understanding of public policy and program evaluation
competently access, use and synthesise information. This involves organising and summarising data efficiently, concisely and clearly.
demonstrate effective time management and self organisation skills

Program Logic Task

Due: 14th September
Weighting: 25%

As program logics are one of the most widely used tools in evaluation research, this task requires you to develop a program logic for ONE of the five programs identified on the course iLearn page and to explain the theory of change that underpins it. Programs logics can be developed for multiple reasons - they can display an 'ideal-typical' representation of how a program works or how a program actually works in practice or how a particular stakeholder(s) understands the program to work. In this case, we want you to develop a program logic that provides an 'ideal-typical' representation of how a program is designed (or intended) to work. Alternatively, if you would like to develop a program logic for another program, please contact the course convenor before proceeding. At the very least, the program logic should include: the issue; needs; desired outcomes; resources/inputs; activities/outputs; and actual outcomes. You should present the program logic in diagrammatic form and outline the core compenents of each aspect of the program logic in a table. You should also describe the program logic in the text of your paper and explain the theory of change that underpins it. And, you should briefly discuss the assumptions and limitations of the program logic model presented. Please note, we encourage you to choose the same policy or program for this assessment and the evaluation research proposal. Also, the word count does not have to include the diagrammatic presentation of the program logic or the table that outlines its different elements. Make sure that you identify the same elements of the program in both the diagram and table.

N.B Please submit this assignment via Turnitin ONLY.

On successful completion you will be able to:

build on existing knowledge about social science applications of qualitative and quantitative methods
understand how to develop program logic models through critical analysis of public policy
explain issues around a range of important social and/or environmental issues
apply knowledge of evaluation research and policy planning to respond to 'real world' problems
competently access, use and synthesise information. This involves organising and summarising data efficiently, concisely and clearly.
display creative and critical thinking through workshop participation and written assessments
demonstrate effective time management and self organisation skills
reflect on how you have analysed information and solved problems, incorporating lessons into future work.

Online Quiz 2

Due: 13th October
Weighting: 20%

This online quiz will consist of multiple choice and/or short answer questions. It is designed to provide you with ongoing insight into how you are going in SSCI200. It will draw on course readings, workshop materials and the lectures. It will also require you to analyse data tables and use Microsoft Excel, drawing on the detailed course notes provided where relevant.

The online quiz will become available on 9th of October and you can undertake the quiz until 13th October (at 11:59 pm EST). It will become available via the SSCI200 iLearn page. The quiz can only be taken once. You will be given 40 minutes to complete it.

More information will become available in the weeks leading up to the quiz.

N.B. In the event of technical difficulties, please take a screenshot if possible. It is your responsibility to contact course staff before the due date. We advise you to ensure that you can access the link to the quiz on 10th October (without starting the quiz unless you want to).

On successful completion you will be able to:

build on existing knowledge about social science applications of qualitative and quantitative methods
competently access, use and synthesise information. This involves organising and summarising data efficiently, concisely and clearly.
demonstrate effective time management and self organisation skills

Evaluation Research Proposal

Due: 9th November
Weighting: 40%

This research assignment requires you to develop an evaluation research proposal. You should organise the proposal into the following parts: background information on policy issue; an outline of the program logic; a brief literature review; the aspects of the policy to be evaluated; a methodology; and ethical issues. When outlining the methodology, you should select one of Owen's (2006) five approaches to evaluation. The methodology should also identify the research methods that will be used and provide a justification for their selection. This task is similar to the research proposal you developed in SOC224, but it requires you to develop a methodology for a policy or program evaluation. More details will become available on the iLearn page. Again, if you have any doubts about the suitability of a particular program or policy, please contact the course convenor.

N.B Please submit this assignment via Turnitin ONLY.

On successful completion you will be able to:

build on existing knowledge about social science applications of qualitative and quantitative methods
consider what a multi-disciplinary approach offers to our understanding of public policy and program evaluation
understand how to develop program logic models through critical analysis of public policy
discuss the impact of values, stakeholder perspectives and politics in shaping evaluation research.
identify the role of evaluation research in ongoing cycles of planning, implementation and review.
understand how to identify and approach the wide range of ethical issues raised by evaluation research
explain issues around a range of important social and/or environmental issues
apply knowledge of evaluation research and policy planning to respond to 'real world' problems
competently access, use and synthesise information. This involves organising and summarising data efficiently, concisely and clearly.
display creative and critical thinking through workshop participation and written assessments
demonstrate effective time management and self organisation skills
reflect on how you have analysed information and solved problems, incorporating lessons into future work.

Course Participation

Due: Continuing
Weighting: 10%

The weekly lectures and tutorials are compulsory. To meet the requirements of this course, you are required to attend at least 80 per cent of lectures and at least 80 per cent of workshops. In addition to attending workshops, you are also expected to actively participate in them. As an incentive, 10 percent of your final mark will be awarded for your attendance and your participation. We will look for evidence that you have done the readings and your ability to engage respectfully with other students.

N.B. If you are enrolled in 'iLecture only' or are unable to make on-campus lectures in person, you are required to listen to the lectures online and submit 300 word summaries on iLearn (for at least 9 weeks of the course).

On successful completion you will be able to:

build on existing knowledge about social science applications of qualitative and quantitative methods
consider what a multi-disciplinary approach offers to our understanding of public policy and program evaluation
discuss the impact of values, stakeholder perspectives and politics in shaping evaluation research.
identify the role of evaluation research in ongoing cycles of planning, implementation and review.
understand how to identify and approach the wide range of ethical issues raised by evaluation research
explain issues around a range of important social and/or environmental issues
apply knowledge of evaluation research and policy planning to respond to 'real world' problems
display creative and critical thinking through workshop participation and written assessments
demonstrate effective time management and self organisation skills
reflect on how you have analysed information and solved problems, incorporating lessons into future work.
participate in group work to analyse research problems and design evaluation tools

Delivery and Resources

Lecture and workshop times

Both the lectures and workshops for SSCI200 are compulsory.

Lectures in C5C Collaborative Forum Workshops in W6B 157

Tuesdays 4pm to 6pm Tuesday 11am to 12pm

Tuesday 12pm to 1pm

Tuesday 2pm to 3pm

Tuesday 3pm to 4pm

Technology used

The following technologies are used in SSCI200...

iLearn

Important information about the weekly schedule for SSCI200, course readings and assessment are all available on the course iLearn page. If you do not have access, please contact IT help. You are required to check iLearn and your student email regularly for course updates and information.

Turnitin

All written assessments for SSCI200 need to be submitted via Turnitin. A link to Turnitin is available via the Assessments tab on the iLearn page. Please contact the convenor if you cannot find it (do not leave it until the day of the assessment). Assignments will be marked via GradeMark and results available through Turnitin.

Unit Readings via Library website

The readings for the course should be available free-of-charge via e-Reserve or online via the world wide web. The Unit Readings tab is part of the Macquarie University Library website.

Unit Schedule

Week	Lecture Topic	Workshop Topic
1	Introducing evaluation research	No workshop
2	Social issues, public policy & wicked problems	Critically reading sources
3	Understanding the policy process	Wicked problems
4	Program logic: Policy as a theory of change	Engaging with the policy process
5	Research paradigms and evaluation research	Developing program logics
6	Designing evaluation research	Contemplating paradigms
7	Using observation & interviews in evaluations	Using evaluation approaches
8	Conducting social surveys for evaluation research	Interview schedules in evaluation
9	Developing indicators for practice	Using Excel to analyse data
10	Evaluation case studies: how to present results?	Indicators with purpose?
11	Evaluation in practice: A panel discussion	Presenting data
12	Ethics, politics and evaluation / The course in review	Contemplating ethics & politics
13	Revision week	No workshop

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Academic Honesty

Academic Honesty is an intergral part of the core values and principles contained in the Macquarie University Ethics Statement. Its fundamental principle is that all staff and students act with integrity in the creation, development, application and use of ideas and information. This means that:

All academic work claimed as original is the work of the author making the claim
All academic collaborations are acknowledged
Academic work is not falsified in any way
When the ideas of others are used, these ideas are acknowledged appropriately

See the link above for more information from Policy Central.

University Grading Policy

The grade that a student receives will signify their overall performance in meeting the learning outcomes of the unit of study. Graded units will use the following grades

HD High Distinction 85-100

D Distinction 75-84

Cr Credit 65-74

P Pass 50-64

F Fail 0-49

Return of marked work

As per university policy, written assessments will be returned to students within three weeks of the submission date. Early assignments will not be marked early. And, the short class test held during the examination period at the end of semester will not be returned to students.

Extensions and special consideration

In the first instance, extensions for course assessments should be discussed with the unit convenor. Medical certificates or similar documentation will be needed to support requests for extensions. If you have any doubts about whether your situation qualifies for an extension, please contact the course convenor.

Special consideration should be applied for when students experience circumstances of three (3) consecutive days duration (or longer) within a semester that prevents completion of assessment or formal examination. You should apply online to the Faculty of Arts. For an application to be valid, it must include a completed Application for Special Consideration form and all supporting documentation.

The special consideration policy is available online at: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/special_consideration/policy.html

Late Penalties

For all written assessment tasks, the Department applies the following penalties for late work that does not have an extension:

5 per cent for the first day (or weekend if the assessment is due on Friday and submitted the following Monday); 1 per cent for each subsequent day

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

consider what a multi-disciplinary approach offers to our understanding of public policy and program evaluation
apply knowledge of evaluation research and policy planning to respond to 'real world' problems
display creative and critical thinking through workshop participation and written assessments

Assessment tasks

Evaluation Research Proposal
Course Participation

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

understand how to identify and approach the wide range of ethical issues raised by evaluation research
apply knowledge of evaluation research and policy planning to respond to 'real world' problems
competently access, use and synthesise information. This involves organising and summarising data efficiently, concisely and clearly.
demonstrate effective time management and self organisation skills

Assessment tasks

Program Logic Task
Evaluation Research Proposal
Course Participation

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

identify the role of evaluation research in ongoing cycles of planning, implementation and review.
display creative and critical thinking through workshop participation and written assessments
reflect on how you have analysed information and solved problems, incorporating lessons into future work.

Assessment tasks

Online Quiz 1
Online Quiz 2
Evaluation Research Proposal
Course Participation

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

build on existing knowledge about social science applications of qualitative and quantitative methods
consider what a multi-disciplinary approach offers to our understanding of public policy and program evaluation
identify the role of evaluation research in ongoing cycles of planning, implementation and review.

Assessment tasks

Online Quiz 1
Program Logic Task
Evaluation Research Proposal
Course Participation

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

understand how to develop program logic models through critical analysis of public policy
discuss the impact of values, stakeholder perspectives and politics in shaping evaluation research.
understand how to identify and approach the wide range of ethical issues raised by evaluation research

Assessment tasks

Program Logic Task
Online Quiz 2
Evaluation Research Proposal

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

build on existing knowledge about social science applications of qualitative and quantitative methods
understand how to develop program logic models through critical analysis of public policy
apply knowledge of evaluation research and policy planning to respond to 'real world' problems

Assessment tasks

Program Logic Task
Online Quiz 2
Evaluation Research Proposal

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

explain issues around a range of important social and/or environmental issues
competently access, use and synthesise information. This involves organising and summarising data efficiently, concisely and clearly.
participate in group work to analyse research problems and design evaluation tools

Assessment tasks

Program Logic Task
Evaluation Research Proposal
Course Participation

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

understand how to develop program logic models through critical analysis of public policy
discuss the impact of values, stakeholder perspectives and politics in shaping evaluation research.
understand how to identify and approach the wide range of ethical issues raised by evaluation research

Assessment tasks

Evaluation Research Proposal
Course Participation

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

understand how to develop program logic models through critical analysis of public policy
understand how to identify and approach the wide range of ethical issues raised by evaluation research
explain issues around a range of important social and/or environmental issues

Assessment tasks

Evaluation Research Proposal
Course Participation

Changes from Previous Offering

The weekly schedule, readings and assessment have changed since previous offerings.