University of Sydney Handbooks - 2019 Archive

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Policy Studies

Policy Studies

Candidates for the Master of Policy Studies must complete 48 credit points, including a minimum of 12 credit points of core units of study, a minimum of 24 credit points of elective units of study; including a minimum of 12 credit point of elective units of study from Policy Studies and a maximum pf 12 credit points of elective units of study from other faculties and a maximum of 12 credit points of capstone units of study.
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Policy Studies must complete 36 credit points, including a minimum of 12 credit points of core units of study, and a maximum of 24 credit points of elective units of study; including a minimum of 18 credit points of elective units of study from Policy Studies and a maximum of 6 credit points of elective units of study from other faculties.
Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Policy Studies must complete 12 credit points of core units of study and 12 credit points of elective units of study from Policy Studies.

Core Units

EDPA6018 Social Policy Process

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Anthony Welch Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: class attendance and participation, including discussion and mini-presentations (15%); presentation (35%) and essay (50%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening, Online
The world of policy is changing, from a centralised model to a decentralised one, in which you may be involved, at least at institutional level. Whether you work in the public, private, or third sector as an educator, social worker, civil servant or in another capacity, it is important to understand the changing world of policy. Another change that we examine is the rise of neo-liberalism and its effects on the policy process. Critics charge that policy is now framed with economic rather than social good in mind, and that the success of policies is measured by the same calculus. How is policy made, and by whom? How does Australian federalism influence the making and implementation of policy? What kinds of transnational influences affect the policy process, and to what extent? Do different countries respond to difference (class, ethnic, gender, age), in a world of increasing diversity, migration and mobility?
SCWK6948 Social Policy Frameworks

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Sue Goodwin Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2hr seminar/week - evening Assessment: 1x2000wd essay proposal and presentation (40%); 1x4000wd major essay (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
This unit aims to provide students with a sound understanding of the key institutional components of the Australian welfare system and the key issues and debates associated with the theory and practice of contemporary social policy. The target audience for this unit includes participants from a diverse range of organisations involved in human service provision. All human service work takes place in the context of social policy: social policy provides the mandate and the resources for human service work, and the activities of workers are extensively defined and shaped by social policy. In turn, human service workers are increasingly involved in the shaping of policy, or policy action. The rationale for this unit is to provide an opportunity for students to develop an advanced understanding of social policy frameworks in order to inform policy action.
SCWK6949 Global Social Policy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Ruth Phillips Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr seminar/week - evening Assessment: tutorial presentation and paper (40%); global social policy research exercise (60%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
There is a well-established scholarship and governmental interest in both the impact of globalisation on social policy and the emergence of what is increasingly termed 'global social policy' which is a direct response to global social problems. It is a field that is growing in the areas of social policy and social work research and practice and can be clearly linked to increased employment opportunities for social workers and social policy graduates in the international/global arena. A key perspective of this unit of study is from non-government organisations' participation in the development of a global civil society and their contribution to global social policy. It also examines the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and how NGOs have contributed to both the ambitions of the goals as well as the outcomes for different countries. This unit provides opportunities for students to deepen their understanding and knowledge of core global concerns such as poverty, health, education, environment, NGO corporate engagement and gender equality and make links to the vital role of NGOs in these areas.

Elective Units

SCWK6048 Social Work for Environmental Change

This unit of study is not available in 2019

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Susan Heward-Belle Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x1hr lecture and 1x3hr tutorial per week for 5 weeks. 1x4hr conference in the final week Assessment: presentation (40%), report (40%) essay (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Global warming is recognised as an outstanding threat for human societies (World Bank, 2012). The links between the environment, human rights and social justice are widely recognised. The social work profession, with its' social ecological focus, and commitment to promoting human rights and social justice is well placed to contribute to efforts to prevent and respond to the environmental crisis. The International Federation of Social Work's 'Policy Statement on Globalisation and the Environment' and the AASW's Code of Ethics promote the social work profession as a key player in efforts to address climate change. However, few Schools of Social Work offer any formal training in this area. This unit recognises the importance of preparing social workers to: have an understanding of the impact of climate change; to develop skills to prevent further environmental degradation; and to respond to individuals affected by climate change.
SCWK6902 Social Research

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Margot Rawsthorne Session: Semester 1a,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd essay (30%); 1x1000wd blog posting (20%); and 1x3000wd research proposal (50% ) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day, Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
This unit of study introduces students to a range of research methods and focus on quantitative and qualitative methods. Many other research issues in developing a research proposal will be addressed through the semester. It is intended that, at the conclusion of this unit, students will have developed a research project able to implement through either further study or in workplaces.
SCWK6910 Working with Communities

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Amanda Howard Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 2x500wd on-line quiz (35%); 1x4000wd practice essay (45%); and participation (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
Working with communities is a key policy and practice priority for government and non-government agencies in Australia. This unit will critically examine the current policy frameworks informing work with communities as well as current practice models of community development and community engagement. The unit seeks to explore the why and how of work with communities. It will draw on an emerging Australian body of research about working with communities based in the community of Glebe. This unit is suitable for practitioners seeking to work more effectively with communities.
SCWK6917 Practice Development

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Francis Duffy Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Independent study with appointed supervisor Assessment: 1x1000wd proposal (20%); 1x1500wd reflective blog (25%); 1x4000wd research essay (55%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
This unit of study is designed to provide students with the opportunity to undertake in-depth guided study. This unit provides students with flexibility, enabling them to tailor study around practice issues of interest such as working with women experiencing violence, person centred planning or the impact of a specific social policy on individuals and/or communities. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their progress, share their learning, receive feedback and guidance. Field based learning can be arranged for international students enrolled in this unit.
SCWK6918 Critical Leadership and Society

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Donna Baines Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd class presentation (35%); 1x4000wd essay (65%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) evening
This unit targets social workers and other human service professionals interested in critically assessing the contemporary organizational context of human service delivery. The course will aim to encourage reflection and critical understandings of individual and collective leadership styles and abilities and how they may be used effectively within contemporary organisational contexts. The content will be based on in-depth understandings of professional practice, critically-informed practice and theory, and social justice.
SCWK6943 Practice Theory Development

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Susan Heward-Belle Session: Semester 2 Classes: 4x6-hr seminars (week 2, week 5, week 8, week 11) Assessment: presentation (50%); 1x2000wd assignment (40%) and 1x500wd participation statement (10%) Mode of delivery: Block mode, Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives underpinning social work research and practice in a range of settings. This unit will offer students the opportunity to reflect upon the relative contributions of these perspectives towards achieving social justice, particularly with marginalised individuals and communities. Developing requisite knowledge, skills and values to engage in critically reflective social work research and practice is a core component of this unit. Students are encouraged to reflect upon and analyse research and practice through multiple lenses.
EDPB5016 Global Poverty, Social Policy and Ed

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Nigel Bagnall Session: Semester 2 Classes: on-line Assessment: 500wd minor overview (10%) and 1200wd review (10%) and 1500wd minor essay (20%) and 1500wd minor essay (20%) and 2500wd case study (40%) Mode of delivery: Online
Investigation and analysis of: basic indicators of global poverty; key theories of poverty and development and their implications for social policy and education; western paradigms and their effects in non-western contexts; alternatives to westernisation; education as a form of foreign aid and development co-operation in multilateral, bilateral and non-government programs; multisectoral approaches to poverty alleviation strategies.
EDPK5003 Developing a Research Project

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 4x4 hr Saturday workshops, plus online lectures and activities Assessment: online exercises (40%) and class presentation (20%) and research proposal (40%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
This unit is seen as the foundation unit in research methods and it provides an overview of the research process, with a focus on developing skills for critical evaluation of research reports and the design of research projects. Research strategies, sampling and design issues and various methods of data collection and analysis are examined. Students explore both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The assessment in this unit is developed around students' own research interests and by the end of the unit students will have developed their own research proposal document.

Capstone units

EDPZ6724 Dissertation Part 1

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor David Hirsh Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: meetings/discussions with supervisor Assessment: satisfactory progress during semester; students then must enrol in EDPZ6725 Dissertation Part 2 the following semester Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The Dissertation is a piece of academic writing of approximately 12,000 words and represents a substantial original work. The Dissertation serves two different purposes in a student's progress through a Masters degree program, being a way for a student to study an area of interest in depth, or as a path to further research. Students seeking progress into a research higher degree, such as a doctoral program, are required to complete an empirical study, drawing on primary data. Note that for direct entry into a doctoral degree, an average of at least 80% across the Masters degree is needed. Students not intending to progress to a higher research degree may choose from a range of types of study. The Dissertation must incorporate an appropriate form of critical analysis and have as its basis a clearly structured conceptual framework. It is recommended that students complete a Research Methods unit of study prior to undertaking the Dissertation, which will support the proposal development. This unit is part one of the Dissertation which runs over two semesters; therefore, students must also enroll in EDPZ6725 Dissertation Part 2 in the following semester.
EDPZ6725 Dissertation Part 2

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor David Hirsh Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: meetings/discussions with supervisor Prerequisites: EDPZ6724 Assessment: 1x12000wd dissertation (100%) Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The Dissertation is a piece of academic writing of approximately 12,000 words and represents a substantial original work. The Dissertation serves two different purposes in a student's progress through a Masters degree program, being a way for a student to study an area of interest in depth, or as a path to further research. Students seeking progress into a research higher degree, such as a doctoral program, are required to complete an empirical study, drawing on primary data. Note that for direct entry into a doctoral degree, an average of at least 80% across the Masters degree is needed. Students not intending to progress to a higher research degree may choose from a range of types of study. The Dissertation must incorporate an appropriate form of critical analysis and have as its basis a clearly structured conceptual framework. It is recommended that students complete a Research Methods unit of study prior to undertaking the Dissertation, which will support the proposal development. This unit is part two of the Dissertation which runs over two semester; therefore, students must have also enrolled in EDPZ6724 Dissertation Part 1 in the previous semester.
EDPZ6720 Dissertation

Credit points: 12 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor David Hirsh Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: meetings/discussions with supervisor Assessment: 1x12000wd dissertation (100%) Mode of delivery: Supervision
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The Dissertation is a piece of academic writing of approximately 12,000 words and represents a substantial original work. The Dissertation serves two different purposes in a student's progress through a Masters degree program, being a way for a student to study an area of interest in depth, or as a path to further research. Students seeking progress into a research higher degree, such as a doctoral program, are required to complete an empirical study, drawing on primary data. Note that for direct entry into a doctoral degree, an average of at least 80% across the Masters degree is needed. Students not intending to progress to a higher research degree may choose from a range of types of study. The Dissertation must incorporate an appropriate form of critical analysis and have as its basis a clearly structured conceptual framework. It is recommended that students complete a Research Methodology unit of study prior to undertaking the Dissertation, which will support the proposal development.
EDPZ6730 Special Project 1

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor David Hirsh Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: several sessions with supervisor Prerequisites: 24 credit points of units Assessment: 1x6000wd project (100%) Mode of delivery: Supervision
Special Project is a capstone unit, semester length independent investigation of a personally chosen topic in an educational context, the result of which is a 'product' of approximately 6,000 words such as a written report, review, account of the development of a resource, analysis of action research or critique of research. All 'products' should be demonstrably informed by relevant theory and research. The satisfactory completion of this unit provides an alternative to the regular face-to-face classroom unit of study for candidates enrolled in a graduate coursework award.
SCWK6908 Authorised Independent Study and Report

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Francis Duffy Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: independent study - meet with supervisor Assessment: 1x750wd proposal (10%) 1x2000wd learning journal (30%) and 1x3000wd research essay (60%) Mode of delivery: Supervision
This unit of study is designed to provide students with the opportunity to integrate their learning over their degree working with a supervisor. This unit forms the capstone for social work masters level students. Students must initially develop a short proposal and discuss this with the unit coordinator, who will organise a suitable supervisor. It must be taken in the final semester of study.

Elective units from other faculties

Master of Policy Studies students may select up to two units of study from the following selected units of policy orientated study. Students in the Graduate Diploma in Policy Studies may select up to one unit of study from this list.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
SCLG6903 New Debates in Social Theory

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2400wd Research essay (40%), 1x2400wd Research essay (40%), 1x1200wd equivalent online presentations and discussion (20%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit explores a series of issues of controversy and debate in social theory. These include debates over: the information age; new information and communication technologies; the new capitalism and changing work practices; the cultural sphere; new forms of power and surveillance; shifting claims to insight in knowledge societies; the role of education in social inequality; the bases of making knowledge claims; and globalisation. The unit involves both face-to-face seminars and online discussions.
SCLG6916 Indigenous Rights - Global Issues

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x5000wd research essay (65%) and 1x1000wd seminar paper (35%) Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will provide students with an appreciation of the Indigenous peoples' struggle for Indigenous rights through an understanding of international, regional and national processes relevant to this struggle. Students will not only learn about Indigenous peoples histories in relation to colonisation and state building and the relevance of the nation-state and governments to the struggle for Indigenous rights but also the significance of international law, globalisation and economic development to Indigenous peoples struggle for Indigenous rights.
School of Law
LAWS6257 Public Policy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Patricia Apps Session: Intensive September Classes: Sep 5, 6 and 12, 13 (10-5) Prohibitions: LAWS6139 or LAWS6042 or LAWS6113 or LAWS6984 Assessment: 1000wd essay (10%), class presentation (10%), 5000-7000wd essay (80%) Mode of delivery: Block mode
Note: Core unit for MALP students. Academic Profile https://sydney.edu.au/law/about/our-people.html. The unit is also available on a Continuing Professional Development basis https://sydney.edu.au/law/cpd/
The aim of the unit is to provide an understanding of the role of government policy within the analytical framework of welfare economics. Questions of central interest include: What are the conditions that justify government intervention? How can policies be designed to support basic principles of social justice? What kinds of reforms promote economic efficiency? Applications will range from taxation and social security to environmental regulation and protection, and will cover the following specific topics: The structure of the Australian tax-benefit system; Uncertainty and social insurance; Unemployment, health and retirement income insurance; Externalities, environmental taxes and tradeable permits; Monopoly and environmental regulation; Utility pricing and access problems; Cost benefit analysis, intergenerational equity and growth. The unit will provide an overview of the main empirical methodologies used in evaluating policy reforms in these areas. Students may select to specialise in one or more of the policy areas.
Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health
HPOL5003 Analysing Health Policy

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Samantha Rowbotham Session: Semester 2 Classes: Block mode: 2 x 2 day workshops plus online activities. Online mode: pre-recorded lectures and week-by-week online discussion and activities. Assessment: 1x2500 word assignment (35%), participation grade (5 x short online or face-to-face learning activities) (15%), 1x3000 word policy analysis project proposal (50%) Mode of delivery: Block mode, Online
This unit aims to develop skills for undertaking policy research and analysis from a systems thinking perspective. A multidisciplinary approach familiarises students with fundamental frameworks and methodologies that can be applied to analyse policy by drawing on multiple disciplines including public health, social and political sciences, behavioural sciences, public policy and history. By the end of the unit students will be able to: Define policy and formulate research questions that can be used to analyse policy and policy processes; Take a systems thinking approach to policy analsys and research; Understand and explain the different methodological approaches and research paradigms that can be applied in policy analysis and research; Apply a critical analysis to a case study of policy success or failure; Identify appropriate study designs, research methodologies, data collection methods and analysis frameworks for specific policy research questions; Design a systems thinking-informed analysis of a current policy issue.
Textbooks
Required and recommended readings and reference lists will be available through eLearning.