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 W6A 824 By appointment
Credit points	Credit points 4
Prerequisites	Prerequisites Admission to MRes
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status SOC810 Developing Social Policy
Unit description	Unit description This unit focuses on a specific aspect of social policy making and applied social research. This unit will have three parts. The first part engages with key concepts of social policy and the welfare state. The second part outlines three historical welfare models (Australia, Sweden and the United States) and offers tools for classifying political and social dynamics surrounding welfare states. The third part looks at the contemporary political and social dynamics surrounding welfare states. Across the semester, we keep a focus on welfare policy-making in Australia and recent social policy changes.

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:

1. Critically assess, use and synthesise information
2. Discuss key social theories and frameworks used to understand the development of social policies
3. Further develop research skills by completing an annotated bibliography
4. Further develop research skills by completing an individual research project
5. Appreciate the complexities of Australian social policy by engaging in social policy debates and reflecting on international developments
6. Challenge your preconceptions about welfare and other areas
7. Applying social theory and research findings to ‘real world’ social problems
8. Respectfully engage with others in policy debates and discussions

General Assessment Information

Important assessment information is available at:

Learn more about how to submit assignments online - http://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/assignments.htm

Become familiar with the academic honesty policy - http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.htm

Submission and return of assessments

Written assessments need to be submitted online using the Turnitin link on the SOCI704 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	Due	Short Extension
Annotated Bibliography	15%	2nd September	No
Critical Review	25%	7th October	No
Research Essay	50%	11th November	No
Seminar Participation	10%	Ongoing	No

Annotated Bibliography

Due: 2nd September
Weighting: 15%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI assisted?:

This annotated bibliography can be thought of as a component of the research essay. The first thing this task requires you to do is select a question to focus on for both this task and the research essay. Make sure that you have a look at both tasks before selecting an option.

Annotated bibliographies are important research tools that provide us with a record of the sources that we have examined over the course of a research project. So, what is an annotated bibliography? An annotated bibliography is an organised list of sources, each of which is followed by a brief note or ‘annotation’ of about 250 words (in this case).

These annotations should seek to do two or more of the following:

briefly describe the content and focus of the source (this is crucial, but please do not just do this)
comment on the position it takes on the policy
comment on the methods used in the source
evaluate the source’s methods and conclusions
record your reactions to the source.

An annotated bibliography summarises to a large extent the core argument of several sources. The first step is to describe the work and its topic. In this part, you will repeat the author's ideas, not your own. Please avoid providing an overview of the source's layout - make sure that you are focused on outlining and explaining the main ideas.

Previous sources can themselves provide us with access to other relevant sources. So, you should also identify up to 3 cross-references from each source, which requires you to search the reference list for other sources of interest and to write down their citations. Choose the most relevant sources. If you have any queries about this, ask the unit convenor.

For this annotated bibliography, you need to collect 10 references that are relevant to the essay question that you have selected. You should provide an annotation for three references. When choosing the other sources, keep in mind that academic sources are preferred and that you will need a range of sources.

While often not a part of annotated bibliographies, this assessment task requires you to write an introduction for the annotated bibliography that establishes the context of your enquiry, identifies the problem/issue that you are investigating, and how the annotated bibliography responds to this problem/issue. Please see the template available on iLearn.

N.B. You do not have to write an annotation for each source in the reference list. Also, you only need to write an introduction for the annotated bibliography (as a whole), not for each annotation.

On successful completion you will be able to:

2. Discuss key social theories and frameworks used to understand the development of social policies
3. Further develop research skills by completing an annotated bibliography

Critical Review

Due: 7th October
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI assisted?:

You need to select one of the required readings from Week 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7. Provide an overview of the reading: what are the key points made and what is the overall argument? How does the author support their arguments? Then, provide a short critique of the piece drawing on other readings from that or other weeks.

Keep in mind that 'being critical' does not mean you need to dismiss the original argument, just that you should consider key criticisms that have been made or how the argument fits with other issues raised by other authors, as well as considering its limitations and strengths more broadly. You should organise this piece with an introduction and conclusion.

Remember this is not a research essay. The aim is to look at one argument in detail. You do not need many references (3 or 4 from the list is adequate, including the reading itself). You might choose to cite a reference that is not from the list of readings. The list is simply a guide, but you are not expected to undertake wide-reaching independent research for this task.

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. Critically assess, use and synthesise information
2. Discuss key social theories and frameworks used to understand the development of social policies
6. Challenge your preconceptions about welfare and other areas

Research Essay

Due: 11th November
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI assisted?:

This individual research task tests your ability to apply concepts taught in the unit to the essay question, your ability to find and use good evidence, and your skills and efforts as a writer. You are required to provide a critical response to ONE of the essay questions that will be made available on iLearn from week 3. These questions will relate to broad themes that are central to this course.

This assignment should be written in the format of an academic essay, with a clearly defined introduction, body and conclusion. It should be written in paragraphs and double-spaced. You also need to write clearly and use formal language. Take care to use jargon appropriately.

This is a research assignment. Course materials should be your starting point. But, you are expected to draw on readings and material beyond course readings. This should include some of the material listed as 'additional readings' and also include other material you identify yourself. All material should be properly referenced, preferably using the Harvard style of referencing. Please do not draw directly on lecture notes (rather consult the sources that they draw on).

More information will be provided on the course iLearn page over the semester.

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. Critically assess, use and synthesise information
2. Discuss key social theories and frameworks used to understand the development of social policies
4. Further develop research skills by completing an individual research project
5. Appreciate the complexities of Australian social policy by engaging in social policy debates and reflecting on international developments
6. Challenge your preconceptions about welfare and other areas
7. Applying social theory and research findings to ‘real world’ social problems

Seminar Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI assisted?:

The weekly workshops are compulsory. To meet the requirements of this course, you are required to attend at least 80 per cent of workshops. In addition to attending, you are also expected to actively participate. 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.

On successful completion you will be able to:

2. Discuss key social theories and frameworks used to understand the development of social policies
5. Appreciate the complexities of Australian social policy by engaging in social policy debates and reflecting on international developments
6. Challenge your preconceptions about welfare and other areas
7. Applying social theory and research findings to ‘real world’ social problems
8. Respectfully engage with others in policy debates and discussions

Delivery and Resources

Delivery

This course is delivered as a two-hour seminar on Monday evenings in E5A 230 from 6pm during semester.

Required and recommended resources

The required textbook for SOCI704 is: McClelland, A. and P. Smyth (eds.) (2014) Social Policy in Australia: Understanding for Action, 3rd Edition, Cambridge University Press: Melbourne.

Other required readings will be available via the 'unit reading' tab on the Library webpage, online thru the Library webpage or on the world wide web. Most are already available.

Before contacting teaching staff, make sure that you try searching for the course code 'SOC810', 'SOCI 704', SOCX810 and the author's surname of the relevant reading in Unit Readings (search for each separately) on the library website.

Other recommended texts that should help you throughout the semester. These sources are online and can also be ordered through the Co-op bookshop:

Alcock, P. and. G. Craig (2009) International Social Policy: Welfare regimes in the developed world, Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke.

Fawcett, B., Goodwin, S., Meagher, G. and R. Phillips (2010) Social Policy for Social Change, Palgrave Macmillan: Melbourne.

Marston, G., Macdonald, C. and L. Bryson (2013) The Australian Welfare State: Who Benefits Now? Palgrave Macmillan: South Yarra.

Pierson, C. and F.G. Castles (2010) The Welfare State Reader, 2nd Edition, Polity Press: Cambridge.

Technology used

The following technologies are used in this course...

Email

Make sure that you regularly check your student email for correspondence with teaching staff and course announcements.

iLearn

Important information about the weekly schedule, 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 need to be submitted online via Turnitin only. 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). There is no need to submit a hard copy of the assessment or to include a cover sheet.

Grademark

Feedback will be made available online via GradeMark. It will take four majors forms (in no particular order): specific comments in the text of your paper; overall comments; a score on a qualitative rubric (that cannot be used to calculate your mark numerically); and a numeric score. Once you have received your assignment back, please make sure that you have access to these forms of feedback.

Unit Schedule

Wk	Seminar Topics	Date
1	Introduction to Developing Social Policy	1 Aug
2	Poverty and Inequality: Key social policy concepts	8 Aug
3	The Great Risk Shift? Social citizenship, social risks and new social policies	15 Aug
4	Developing Social Policy: Welfare, markets and the state	22 Aug
5	Developing Social Policy II: From policy cycles to ‘muddling through’	29 Aug
6	Analysing Social Policy: Frameworks for understanding	5 Sep
7	An Australian Story: The wage-earners model and beyond	12 Sep
Mid-semester study period
8	The US Model vs. the Swedish folkshemmet (Public holiday - no on-campus session)	3 Oct
9	Reforming Income Support: Dependency, deservingness & surveillance	10 Oct
10	Closing the Gap? Recent developments in Indigenous social policy	17 Oct
11	Population Ageing, Retirement and Social Policy	24 Oct
12	Health Policy in Australia and Around the World	31 Oct
13	Course Conclusion	7 Nov

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

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.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 http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

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.

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.

Macquarie University provides a range of health and wellbeing services for students. For details, visit:

http://students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/

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

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. Critically assess, use and synthesise information
4. Further develop research skills by completing an individual research project
6. Challenge your preconceptions about welfare and other areas
7. Applying social theory and research findings to ‘real world’ social problems
8. Respectfully engage with others in policy debates and discussions

Assessment tasks

Critical Review
Research Essay
Seminar Participation

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

2. Discuss key social theories and frameworks used to understand the development of social policies
4. Further develop research skills by completing an individual research project

Assessment tasks

Annotated Bibliography
Critical Review
Research Essay
Seminar Participation

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. Critically assess, use and synthesise information
2. Discuss key social theories and frameworks used to understand the development of social policies
4. Further develop research skills by completing an individual research project
5. Appreciate the complexities of Australian social policy by engaging in social policy debates and reflecting on international developments
6. Challenge your preconceptions about welfare and other areas
7. Applying social theory and research findings to ‘real world’ social problems

Assessment tasks

Annotated Bibliography
Critical Review
Research Essay
Seminar Participation

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. Critically assess, use and synthesise information
3. Further develop research skills by completing an annotated bibliography
4. Further develop research skills by completing an individual research project

Assessment tasks

Annotated Bibliography
Critical Review
Research Essay

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

3. Further develop research skills by completing an annotated bibliography
4. Further develop research skills by completing an individual research project
5. Appreciate the complexities of Australian social policy by engaging in social policy debates and reflecting on international developments
8. Respectfully engage with others in policy debates and discussions

Assessment tasks

Annotated Bibliography
Research Essay
Seminar Participation

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

5. Appreciate the complexities of Australian social policy by engaging in social policy debates and reflecting on international developments
6. Challenge your preconceptions about welfare and other areas
7. Applying social theory and research findings to ‘real world’ social problems
8. Respectfully engage with others in policy debates and discussions

Assessment tasks

Critical Review
Research Essay
Seminar Participation

Changes since First Published

Date	Description
22/07/2016	No changes.