196-004 Contemporary Social Policy

196-003 Winners? Losers? Inequality in Australia or another relevant subject as approved by the subject coordinator. Students who have not completed 196-003 Winners? Losers? Inequality in Australia will be advised to undertake supplementary reading.

This subject will critically examine policy making processes and a selection of Australian social policies in relation to debates about social justice, citizenship and social inequality. It will build upon the material covered in the subject 196-003 Winners? Losers? Inequality in Australia.

• be able to critically analyse texts and policy documents;

• be aware of the competing interests that together shape such policies and documents;

• be able to communicate effectively in writing;

• be able to link theory to practice.

An essay of 4000 words 100% (due at the end of the semester). A hurdle requirement of a minimum 75% attendance of tutorials required.

Students should check with the subject coordinator prior to the purchase of texts as additional or alternative texts may be substituted for those listed below.

• P Mendes, Australia's Welfare Wars. UNSW Press 2003.