Social scientists are concerned not just with identifying and describing social issues, but with engaging in research and policy action which seek to improve the conditions under which we live. Participation in the process of social policy analysis and development provides the mechanism through which change can occur. But such change is hardly straight forward or rational. While countless people make daily demands on the public purse for social change, some interests are progressed over others. How can this be so? This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to effectively analyse and participate in the policy process.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- define major conceptual frameworks for social policy;
- identify the interest groups and processes involved in the development of social policy;
- engage in policy analysis and develop a policy proposal relevant to critical arenas of social policy; and
- examine social policy concerns as they relate to the areas of gender and sexuality, health, Indigenous communities, and the environment.
Indicative Assessment
- Participation in group presentation (25 mins in total) (25) [LO 1,3,4]
- Written report, 1500 words based on a class presentation (25) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Essay (2000 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Tutorial participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
This course will run as an intensive in 2025 with face-to-face teaching from June 16-27 2025.
This course is comprised of approximately 130 hours of student learning time made up from:
a) Face-to-face teaching time in intensive mode (6 days) and
b) Independent student research, reading, writing and collaboration.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
See Wattle for core readings
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Autumn Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5490 | 16 Jun 2025 | 18 Jun 2025 | 20 Jun 2025 | 30 Jun 2025 | In Person | View |