Students
GEOX8010 – Social Impact Assessment
2021 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Alison Ziller
Lecturer
Fiona Miller
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPASR (OUA) or GradDipPASR (OUA) or MPSP (OUA)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
Social impact assessment (SIA) is an important assessment tool which applies social science methodologies to the evaluation of a wide range of public policy proposals, including those relating to land use planning, social policies and public health. This unit addresses the theory and methods of SIA, discusses the public policy processes which use this assessment, and applies a critical perspective to the ethical dilemmas facing the SIA practitioner. There is a practical focus to the course work through the use of current case studies, and this provides students with an insight into pressures and political difficulties frequently encountered. Students will learn how to recognise and respond to these problems, and present issues to non-specialist audiences. All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au |
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:
- ULO1: Explain the theory underpinning SIA and its role and use in practice
- ULO2: Recognise key social impact issues that occur in land use development and public policy assessment
- ULO3: Apply knowledge and key concepts from social impact assessment to critical evaluation of planning and policy decisions
- ULO4: Identify and discuss ways of integrating social issues into public sector discourse and practice
- ULO5: Research and discuss complex ideas about social change, social process and assessment of social impacts
- ULO6: Recognise ethical issues and risks in evaluation and impact assessment
General Assessment Information
Please note the Faculty policy in relation to late assessment submissions is as follows: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – 10 marks out of 100 credit will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests, etc.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research essay | 30% | No | 23.59 23/08/21 |
| Critique of a case study | 40% | No | 23.59 27/09/21 |
| Visual representation of key SIA issues | 30% | No | 23.59 01/11/21 |
Research essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 23.59 23/08/21
Weighting: 30%
1500 word research essay drawing on academic and grey literature to explain social impact issues raised by a proposed project or policy
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the theory underpinning SIA and its role and use in practice
- Recognise key social impact issues that occur in land use development and public policy assessment
Critique of a case study
Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 23.59 27/09/21
Weighting: 40%
2000 word critical review of a social impact assessment or similar document
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply knowledge and key concepts from social impact assessment to critical evaluation of planning and policy decisions
- Identify and discuss ways of integrating social issues into public sector discourse and practice
- Research and discuss complex ideas about social change, social process and assessment of social impacts
- Recognise ethical issues and risks in evaluation and impact assessment
Visual representation of key SIA issues
Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 23.59 01/11/21
Weighting: 30%
Visual representation of social impact issues in a form suited to an identified audience with 600 words accompanying written commentary
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and discuss ways of integrating social issues into public sector discourse and practice
- Research and discuss complex ideas about social change, social process and assessment of social impacts
- Recognise ethical issues and risks in evaluation and impact assessment
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
This course is delivered via recorded lectures, a reading list, recommended learning activities and participation in online discussion forums.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.
Unit information based on version 2021.01R of the Handbook