306126 (v.1) Social Policy and Welfare 101

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Area:	Department of Social Work and Social Policy
Credits:	25.0
Contact Hours:	6.0
Seminar:	2 x 3 Hours Weekly
Prerequisite(s):	306125 (v.1) SW 126 - Introduction to Social Work Context and Practice or any previous version
Syllabus:	Exploration of the historical shaping of the welfare state, debates surrounding welfare provision, residual and institutional approaches to the study of social services - and competing discourses in social policy with an exploration of concepts such as ethics and morality, equity and freedom, social justice and issues of equity. Examination of the theories of policy making and policy processes. Teaching materials will be grounded in case studies of poverty, unemployment, race and gender.
Unit Outcomes:	On successful completion of this unit, students will have- An awareness of local and international contexts shaping social welfare in Australia. Examined a range of competing discourses that shape and reshape the welfare state. Articulate the philosophical underpinnings of concepts such as justice, equity, human nature, rights and duties, which are embedded in social policy. Understood the processes by which social policies are developed and implemented. Demonstrated knowlede of ways in which the relationship between the State, individual and society is conceptualised in the analysis of social policy.
Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.
Unit References:	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commission/HREOC- www.hreoc.gov.ausocial_justice/index.html, Brotherhod of St Laurence - www.bsl.org.au/sar/welcome.htm. Castles, F. (1996). Australian Social Policy: Where are We Now? Just Policy, May, No 6. Latham, M. (1996), Making Welfare Work, Policy, Vol. 12, No 3. Jamrozik, A. (2001). Social Policy in Post-Welfare State. Australia, Longman. Smyth, P., Cass, B. (1998). Contesting the Australian Way, Melbourne, Cambridge University Press. Yeatman,A. (1998). Activism and the Policy Process. Sydney, Allen and Unwin.
Unit Texts:	Bryson, L., (1992). Welfare and the State: Who Benefits? London, Macmillan. Dalton, T. (1998). Making Social Policy in Australia: An Introduction. Sydney, Allen and Unwin. Hill, M., (1999), The Policy Process in the Modern State, Prentice Hall.
Unit Assessment Breakdown:	First Assignment 25%, Second Assignment 35%, Exam 40%. This is by grade/mark assessment.
Year Location Period Internal Area External Central External 2004 Bentley Campus Winter Period Y