SPE502 Social Work and Social Policy Practice (8)

The aim of this subject is to develop knowledge and skills required to identify social issues, set policy agenda and undertake policy analysis as part of social policy practice. By briefly discussing the concept of social policy, significance of social policy practice and a range of opportunities to engage in it, the subject focuses on identifying needs/issues, agenda building and advocacy in the first part. In the second part, the subject discusses policy analysis by introducing a policy analysis framework, policy evaluation and policy cases. Further, it looks at contemporary critical issues and influences on social policies.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus
Session 3 (90)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: SPE502. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

This subject is available to students enrolled in the following Courses:
Master of Advanced Social Work Practice Articulated Set
Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)
Master of Social Work (Advanced Practice)
Master of Human Service (generic and with specialisation)
Master of Leadership in Human Services (generic and with specialisations) Articulated Set
Master of Child and Adolescent Welfare
Master of Gerontology Articulated Set

This subject is not available to students who have completed subject SPE401 as it is a paired subject.

Subject Relationships

SPE401 Paired Subject

Incompatible Subjects

SPE401

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to discuss the concept and significance of social policy, important policy issues and factors that contribute to success of policies;
  • be able to critically analyse the institutions involved in policy making and the role of coordination and consultation in the policy making processes;
  • be able to critically apply knowledge and skills of agenda building and advocacy;
  • be able to explain and apply a policy analysis framework; and
  • be able to identify and evaluate contemporary critical issues and influences on social policies.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Understanding of, and avenues for, social policy practice
  • Stakeholders in the policy making process
  • Agenda building and advocacy
  • Policy analysis approaches
  • Current influences on social policies: Global-local perspectives
  • The sustainable development goals, revision and reflection

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of SPE502 in Session 1 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Policy advocacy
50
2
Critical policy analysis
50

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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