166-231 Space, Place and Social Policy

Usually a first year sociology or politics subject.

This subject introduces students to classical and contemporary theories of community and place, and their relationship to contemporary social policy making in Australian and international contexts. The subject explores concepts of place and space in the network society, in order to facilitate students' critical understandings of complex social realities that occur at the interface between the 'local' and the 'global'. The subject integrates theoretically informed understandings of place and space with practical analyses of real social issues, and the challenges these raise for social policy design and implementation. On completion of this subject, students should be sociologically informed and creative problem-solvers in the areas of social policy design and implementation.

• Upon completion of this subject, students should have:

• Enhanced capacity for critical analysis and evaluation of theoretical and policy texts;

• Experience in negotiating group work and dynamics; and

• Well developed scholarly writing skills.

A take-home exam of 1000 words 25% (due in the first half of semester), a groupwork assignment of up to 4000 words 25% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2000 words 50% (due during the exam period). Submission of all assessment items is a hurdle requirement.

A subject reader will be available.