Students

SOCX8020 – Evaluating Social Policy

2023 – Session 1, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convener
Ben Spies-Butcher
ben.spies-butcher@mq.edu.au
Lecturer
Adam Stebbing
adam.stebbing@mq.edu.au
Tutor
Karim Pourhamzavi
karim.pourhamzavi@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
20cp at the 8000 level or above; or admission to MPSP or MPASR or GradCertPASR or GradDipPASR or MPlan
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
SOCI8020
Unit description Unit description

Evaluation research is among the most common, and possibly most useful, forms of applied social science. Evaluation employs research methodologies to systematically assess a project, policy, program or social needs to set criteria. This unit surveys key topics and practice-based skills widely used in evaluation research that have potential applications in the public, non-profit, and for-profit private sectors. As this field of research is expansive, the unit primarily draws on case studies from social policy - public interventions that offer protection from social ills and are among those that impact most on everyday life - to provide focus for class sessions and assessments. Over the course of this unit, you will gain a clear understanding of key elements of evaluation research design, as well as the potential uses and misuses of this form of applied social policy research.

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: demonstrate specialised knowledge of evaluation design and approaches
  • ULO2: create technical models of a social project, program or policy that visually presents its organising logic
  • ULO3: critically analyse evidence from evaluations of social policy and public policy
  • ULO4: research and apply evaluation tools and approaches to assess social and public policy
  • ULO5: communicate knowledge, skills and ideas about evaluation research to specialist and non-specialist audiences

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Online journal 20% No Friday April 7
Research Report 40% No Friday Mar 5
Take Home Exam 40% No Available Week 12-13

Online journal

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: Friday April 7
Weighting: 20%

Online blog
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate specialised knowledge of evaluation design and approaches
  • communicate knowledge, skills and ideas about evaluation research to specialist and non-specialist audiences

Research Report

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Friday Mar 5
Weighting: 40%

1,500 word paper
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate specialised knowledge of evaluation design and approaches
  • create technical models of a social project, program or policy that visually presents its organising logic
  • critically analyse evidence from evaluations of social policy and public policy

Take Home Exam

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 28 hours
Due: Available Week 12-13
Weighting: 40%

Take home exam
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • demonstrate specialised knowledge of evaluation design and approaches
  • critically analyse evidence from evaluations of social policy and public policy
  • research and apply evaluation tools and approaches to assess social and public policy
  • communicate knowledge, skills and ideas about evaluation research to specialist and non-specialist audiences

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 semester SOCI8020 is delivered online. All the lectures and resources are available through iLearn and Leganto.

Unit Schedule

Topic 1: Introducing 'Evaluating Social Policy'

Topic 2: Defining Social Policy

Topic 3: Understanding the Welfare State

Topic 4: Theories of Change

Topic 5: Modelling Practice

Topic 6: Evaluating Social Policy

Topic 7: Measuring Impact

Topic 8: Co-Designing Evaluation

Topic 9: Working with Existing Data

Topic 10: Do-it-yourself Evaluation

Topic 11: Why Use Mixed Methods?

Topic 12: 'Show me the Money'

Topic 13: Evidence-based or Evidence Informed?

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:

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

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity โ€“ honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage โ€“ is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Late Assessment Submission Penalty  

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark ofโ€š 0 (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. 

 This late penalty will apply to non-time sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic. 

Student Support

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

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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 2023.03 of the Handbook