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Unit of study_

SCPL2602: Understanding Social Policy

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Remote

This unit is essentially conceptual and theoretical, emphasising the contested principles of social policy - discourse, theories, ideas and ideologies - around which the contemporary welfare state was, is and continues to be organised, discussed and debated. This unit focuses on the application of concepts and theories in practical social policy arenas. In particular, the emphasis will be on the debated, sometimes contested, nature of concepts and theories in social policy discourses in contemporary societies.

Unit details and rules

Unit code SCPL2602
Academic unit Sociology and Criminology
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
SCPL3002
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points at 1000 level in Sociology or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Social Policy
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Gyu-Jin Hwang, gyu-jin.hwang@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Gyu-Jin Hwang, gyu-jin.hwang@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Gyu-Jin Hwang, gyu-jin.hwang@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Essay
Long answer / Essay
40% Week 07
Due date: 18 Sep 2022 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4
Online task Take-home exercise
Long answer / Essay
50% Week 13
Due date: 06 Nov 2022 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO2
Presentation Class Discussion Assessment
Class engagement Understanding of the course material Communication
10% Weekly 1000 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO2

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Grade Descriptors

<50

Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: unacceptable levels of paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; presentation, grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; submitted very late without extension.

50-54

Written work contains evidence of minimal reading and some understanding of subject matter, offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the research topic, but may have a tendency to paraphrase; makes a reasonable attempt to organise material logically and comprehensibly and to provide scholarly documentation. There may be gaps in any or all of these areas.

55-59

Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading and research, and demonstrates a reasonable understanding of subject matter. Offers a synthesis of relevant material and shows a genuine effort to avoid paraphrasing, has a logical and comprehensible structure and acceptable documentation, and attempts to mount an argument, though there may be weaknesses in particular areas.

60-64

Written work contains evidence of a broad and reasonably accurate command of the subject matter and some sense of its broader significance, offers synthesis and some evaluation of material, demonstrates an effort to read broadly, contains clear focus on the principal issues, understanding of relevant arguments and diverse interpretations, and a coherent argument grounded in relevant evidence, though there may be some weaknesses of clarity or structure. Articulate, properly documented.

65-69

Written work contains evidence of comprehensive reading, offers synthesis and critical evaluation of material on its own terms, takes a position in relation to various interpretations. In addition, it shows some extra spark of insight or analysis. Demonstrates understanding of broad historical significance, good selection of evidence, coherent and sustainable argument, some evidence of independent thought.

70-74

Adequate reading, research, understanding and presentation of subject area, relevant theories and methodologies.  Some evidence of ability to think theoretically as well as empirically, and to conceptualise and problematise issues.  Weaknesses include gaps in research, important unresolved problems and inconsistencies within the argument, deficiencies in clarity, and stylistic lapses.

75-79

Sound grasp of subject area, with extensive reading and research; ability to use methodology and theory, evidence of careful and thorough discovery and original use of appropriate sources; competent analysis and evaluation of material; ability to present material clearly and succinctly with a well-thought out argument. Properly documented; writing characterised by style, clarity, and some creativity.

80 to 84

General excellence in subject area without major error or naivete; breadth of knowledge; clear familiarity with and ability to use appropriate methodologies and theories; clear evidence of some independence of thought in the subject area. Makes good attempt to ‘get behind’ the evidence and engages with its underlying assumptions, takes a critical, interrogative stance in relation to political argument and interpretation. Superior written style, clarity and creativity.

85 to 89

As above, but with greater evidence of intellectual independence and more originality of thought. Shows a command of the field both broad and deep, independent intellectual argument and a significant degree of original thought.

90 and above.
 

Outstanding, demonstrating independent thought throughout, a flair for the subject, and research achievement of a kind that produces at least some work of potentially publishable standard in a serious academic journal.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Essay: 5% per calendar day Take-Home Exercise: 10% per calendar day

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Social Policy Lecture (2 hr) LO2
Week 02 Goals of Social Policy Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Introduction to Social Policy Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Social Policy & the Welfare State Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Goals of Social Policy Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Ideology & Social Policy Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Social Policy & the Welfare State Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Human Behaviour and Social Policy Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Ideology & Social Policy Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Citizenship and Social Policy Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Human Behaviour & Social Policy Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Social Policy & the Economy Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Citizenship & Social Policy Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Globalisation and Social Policy Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Social Policy & the Economy Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 The Role of the State in Social Policy Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Globalisation & Social Policy Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 10 The Strategy of Equality Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
The Role of the State in Social Policy Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Privatisation and Social Policy Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
The Strategy of Equality Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 12 Take-Home Exercise Q&A Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Privatisation & Social Policy Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
  • Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
  • Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Reading List, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. develop critical awareness of the contested key concepts, theories and issues in contemporary welfare state policy
  • LO2. develop a generic skills of problem selection and observation
  • LO3. improve oral communication skills through participation in tutorial discussions and the development of a tutorial presentation
  • LO4. understand the principles that underpin the structure of social policy.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Reading lists have been updated and tutorial tasks and questions have been revised to improve student engagement.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.