Overview
Social policy is one of seven methods of change used in social work practice. This unit explores the historical, political and normative dimensions of social policy and policy-making in Australia and the international context. You will explore concepts such as the welfare state and neo-liberalism and you will examine and critically analyse social policy that is relevant to human service contexts.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
120 credit points of study must include SOWK13009 and SOWK13010
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student and staff feedback
There were issues related to a late availability of the unit. This impacted student access to resources and learning materials.
The staffing issues have been addressed. Following a review of the curriculum, adjustments and improvements should be made to address resource issues.
Feedback from Student and staff feedback
There were problems with the text book and delays with orders
These issues have been addressed as staffing allocated and library resources ordered in a timely manner.
- Analyse the historical development of social policy in Australia and the wider international context of social policy
- Evaluate the inherent value-judgements associated with social policy development and implementation
- Critically reflect on social policies that are relevant to the human services
- Evaluate theories of policy development as they apply to social policy making in Australia.
- Articulate the strategies that social workers can engage in to influence policy development and advocate for positive policy reform
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30% | |||||
2 - Essay - 35% | |||||
3 - Written Assessment - 35% |
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
1 - Communication | |||||
2 - Problem Solving | |||||
3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
4 - Information Literacy | |||||
5 - Team Work | |||||
6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
8 - Ethical practice | |||||
9 - Social Innovation | |||||
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures |
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30% | ||||||||||
2 - Essay - 35% | ||||||||||
3 - Written Assessment - 35% |
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
h.hickson@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Overview of unit and assessments.
Introduction to social policy for social workers
Critical thinking and policy analysis, social justice
Chapter
READ: McClelland, Smyth and Marston (2021). Social Policy in Australia. Oxford University Press, Chapter 1. What is Social Policy?
Find the AASW Code of Ethics (2020), which requires adherence to good practice in organisations and the AASW Practice Standards (2023)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Watch recorded lecture, think about reflective questions, and read recommended book chapter or article
You can watch my short video about how to do skim reading.
Module/Topic
Concepts: meaning of welfare states, welfare ideologies.
Chapter
Read McClelland, Smyth and Marston (2021). Social Policy in Australia. Oxford University Press, Chapter 1. What is Social Policy?
Skim read : Abramovitz. (2001). Everyone is still on welfare: the role of redistribution in social policy. Social Work, 46(4), 297–308. (eReading List)
Find the AASW Code of Ethics (2020), which requires adherence to good practice in organisations and the AASW Practice Standards (2023)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Watch recorded lecture, think about reflective questions, and read recommended book chapter or article
Follow up the definitions of any terms that you don't understand.
Watch my short video about critical thinking
Module/Topic
Neoliberalism and the third way, the influence of ideas on social policy
Chapter
Read: Morley, C., O’Bree, C. (2021). Critical Reflection: An Imperative Skill for Social Work Practice in Neoliberal Organisations? Soc. Sci. 10, 97. (eReading list)
Skim read: Garrett, P.M. (2019). What are we talking about when we talk about ‘Neoliberalism’?, European Journal of Social Work, 22:2, 188-200, (eReading list)
OPTIONAL – PODSOCS PODCAST about Neoliberalism and Social work.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Watch the recorded lecture, look through powerpoint slides and I have added some reflective questions for you to think about.
Follow up the definitions of any terms that you don't understand.
Module/Topic
History of Australian Social Policy.
How policy is made and changed
Chapter
McClelland, Smyth and Marston (2021). Social Policy in Australia. Oxford University Press, Chapter 2. Historical Context: Themes and perspectives
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1 – Online QUIZ
Module/Topic
The institutional context for policy decision making.
Taxation: Paying for policy
Chapter
McClelland, Smyth and Marston (2021). Social Policy in Australia. Oxford University Press, Chapter 4 The Institutional context of social policy.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Watch recorded lecture, think about reflective questions, and read recommended book chapter or article
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Critical Analysis for advocacy
Critical frameworks.
Chapter
Independent research. What is in the media about social policy topics?
Events and Submissions/Topic
Watch recorded lecture, think about reflective questions, and read recommended book chapter or article
Module/Topic
Indigenous Australians and Social Policy
Chapter
Independent research. What is in the media about social policy topics and how they affect First Nations communities?
Events and Submissions/Topic
Watch recorded lecture, think about reflective questions, and read recommended book chapter or article
Module/Topic
Policy examples:
Social security policies including Income security and unemployment.
Chapter
McClelland, Smyth and Marston (2021). Social Policy in Australia. Oxford University Press, Part 3 – Areas for social policy action
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment Task 2 is due
Critical analysis of a social policy topic Due: Week 8 Thursday (5 Sept 2024) 5:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Policy Examples: Housing, Health, Education, Climate change.
Chapter
McClelland, Smyth and Marston (2021). Social Policy in Australia. Oxford University Press, Part 3 – Areas for social policy action
Events and Submissions/Topic
Watch recorded lecture, think about reflective questions, and read recommended book chapter or article
Module/Topic
Advocacy: Policy networks, peaks, and NGOs.
Kingdon's windows and streams.
Chapter
Lancaster, K., Ritter, A., & Colebatch, H. (2014). Problems, policy and politics: Making sense of Australia's 'ice epidemic. Policy studies, 35(2), pp.147–171.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Watch recorded lecture, think about reflective questions, and read recommended book chapter or article
Module/Topic
Advocacy and policy practice strategies.
Chapter
McCoy,M., Nordberg,A., Hoefer R., & Mellinger, M. (2017). Strengthening advocacy coalitions: Lessons for structure, engagement, and effectiveness from an IPV Coalition, Journal of Social Service Research, 43(4), 443-458.
Hoefer, R., (2008) Policy Practice and Advocacy in Midgley, J.O., & Livermore, M.M. (eds) 2008, The Handbook of Social Policy, SAGE Publications, Thousand Oaks.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Watch recorded lecture, think about reflective questions, and read recommended book chapter or article
Module/Topic
Changes and Challenges
Chapter
Independent reading
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 3 is due
Developing a Social Policy Briefing Paper Due: Week 12 Thursday (3 Oct 2024) 5:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Quiz(zes)
Task Description
Each quiz will comprise 10 multiple choice questions randomly drawn from a question pool.
Each quiz will be time limited to 30 minutes.
Each student will have one attempt.
The quiz will be available to students for five days, but once the quiz is opened, it is limited to 30 minutes.
Other
Quiz questions will be drawn from the weekly required readings and the lecture notes.
Quiz One will cover content from weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and be held at the end of week 4.
Quiz Two will cover content from weeks 5, 6, 7 and be held at the end week 7.
Quiz Three will cover content from weeks 8, 9,10,11 and be held at the end of week 11.
- Information Literacy
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
- Social Innovation
- Analyse the historical development of social policy in Australia and the wider international context of social policy
- Evaluate the inherent value-judgements associated with social policy development and implementation
- Evaluate theories of policy development as they apply to social policy making in Australia.
2 Essay
The aim of this assessment is to enhance your ability to critically analyse the 2024 Federal budget announcements, focusing on their implications for social work. You will assess the budget's impact on various social policy areas, identify key priorities, evaluate the potential effectiveness of the proposed measures and consider the implications for social work practice. You will utilise social policy theories and concepts discussed in the lectures and recommended readings to demonstrate your knowledge and analysis of the topic.
The essay should include:
1. A brief overview of the 2024 budget, which includes an outline of the key objectives and priorities set out in the budget and the aim of your analysis and the social policy area you will focus on.
2. Discussion about the background context, such as the current socio-economic context in which the budget has been announced and any significant social issues and challenges facing the country that the budget aims to address.
3. Analysis of Social Policy
Choose one social policy area from the following list to analyse the 2024 Federal Budget in detail:
· Healthcare
· Education
· Housing
· Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation
· Employment and Labour Market
· Child and Family Services
· Elderly Care
· Disability Services
Your analysis should include:
· Summary of the budget allocations and key initiatives proposed.
· Analysis of the potential impact of these initiatives on the target population.
· Critical evaluation of the adequacy and sustainability of the funding and measures.
4. Critical Evaluation
Your critical analysis should include:
· Assess the overall alignment of the budget with the principles of social justice and equity, and how the policy will address the needs of First Nations communities and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
· Discuss any potential gaps or overlooked issues in the budget.
· Consider the long-term implications of the budget for social policy development.
· Evaluate the policy in relation to its alignment to the AASW Code of Ethics (2020) and Practice Standards (2023). You need to include a comment about the AASW’s position regarding this policy and to identify areas where there are conflicts with AASW values and ethics.
You should include a conclusion that summarises the key findings of your analysis and provides recommendations for future policy considerations or improvements.
The essay should incorporate references to social policy literature. You are expected to refer to the unit content, suggested unit readings and undertake independent reading.
Literature and references
In this assessment use at least 10 references to support your analysis. You may also use scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the five elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as from government, university, or peak national bodies: for example, the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Requirements
• Use a cover page that includes your name and student number, the subject code, the date, and the number of words in your submission.
• Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with 2.0 line spacing and 2.54 cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).
• Include page numbers on the top right side of each page in a header.
• You should write in the third-person perspective.
• Use formal academic language.
• Use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online APA Referencing Style Guide.
• The word count is considered from the introduction's first word to the conclusion's last word. The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Professional social work writing
It is crucial for students to demonstrate professional social work writing in their assessments. This involves using a tone that is respectful, clear, and free from bias, while also adhering to the ethical standards and principles of the social work profession. Effective communication, appropriate terminology, and a well-structured argument are key components of professional writing in social work. Your ability to present a persuasive, evidence-based argument in a professional manner will enhance your advocacy efforts and influence in policy reform debates.
Generative AI
The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools, including AI-driven writing assistants and content generators, is not permitted in this assessment. This social work practice standard is based on the requirement for students to demonstrate essential human capacities, skills, and knowledge crucial for social work practice as outlined by the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS, 2021). Social work relies on human interaction, empathy, ethical decision-making, and effective communication—skills that cannot be adequately assessed through AI-generated content. To ensure the integrity and development of these capabilities, students must verify that any grammar or writing enhancement programs used do not incorporate AI components. Compliance with this social work practice standard is vital for meeting ASWEAS graduate attributes and preparing for professional practice.
Resources
· You can use unit provided materials and other credible sources (e.g. journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.
· We recommend that you access your discipline specific library guide: the Social Work and Community Services Guide.
· We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available at the CQUniversity Library website.
· For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.
· Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.
Week 8 Thursday (5 Sept 2024) 5:59 pm AEST
Week 10 Friday (20 Sept 2024)
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Analyse the historical development of social policy in Australia and the wider international context of social policy
- Evaluate the inherent value-judgements associated with social policy development and implementation
- Critically reflect on social policies that are relevant to the human services
3 Written Assessment
Aims
The aim of this assessment is to enhance your understanding of social policy analysis and develop your ability to advocate for positive policy reform. You will analyse a social policy topic, identify aspects of the policy that require change, and propose solutions or next steps. Additionally, you will explore how social workers engage in social policy debates to influence policy change.
Task Description
Choose one social policy topic from the list below:
· Family Violence: The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032
· First Nations Health: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2021–2031
· Housing and Homelessness: National Housing and Homelessness Plan (in development)
· Child Safety: Safe and Supported: the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021 - 2031
1. Introduction
· Provide a brief introduction to the social policy topic you have chosen. This should include an outline of the current policy framework and its key components and the purpose of your briefing paper.
2. Policy Analysis
· Analyse the current policy, highlighting its objectives, target population, and implementation strategies.
· Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the policy.
· Identify the social, economic, and political context influencing the policy.
3. Identifying Issues
· Identify and discuss specific aspects of the policy that require change.
· Use evidence from academic sources, government reports, and relevant data to support your analysis.
· Highlight the impact of these issues on the target population and broader society.
4. Proposing Solutions
· Propose realistic and evidence-based solutions or next steps to address the identified issues.
· Discuss how these solutions align with principles of social justice, equity, and effectiveness.
· Consider potential challenges and how they might be mitigated.
5. Role of Social Workers
· Explore how social workers engage in social policy debates and advocacy.
· Discuss the strategies social workers use to influence policy change, such as lobbying, coalition building, and public education.
· Provide examples of successful social worker-led policy reforms or initiatives.
6. Conclusion
· Summarise the key points of your analysis and proposed solutions.
· Reinforce the importance of the recommended changes for improving the policy.
Suggested Resources
· Policy Documents: Access relevant policy documents through government websites and databases.
· Academic Journals: Utilise the university library for accessing journals and articles on social policy.
· Professional Organisations: Refer to publications and resources from social work and social policy organisations.
· News Outlets and Reports: For current events and case studies related to your chosen policy topic.
Note: Students are encouraged to approach this assignment with a critical and analytical mindset, drawing on a wide range of sources to support their analysis and proposals. Discussions in tutorials and lectures will provide additional guidance and support.
Professional social work writing
It is crucial for students to demonstrate professional social work writing in their assessments. This involves using a tone that is respectful, clear, and free from bias, while also adhering to the ethical standards and principles of the social work profession. Effective communication, appropriate terminology, and a well-structured argument are key components of professional writing in social work. Your ability to present a persuasive, evidence-based argument in a professional manner will enhance your advocacy efforts and influence in policy reform debates.
Generative AI
The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools, including AI-driven writing assistants and content generators, is not permitted in this assessment. This social work practice standard is based on the requirement for students to demonstrate essential human capacities, skills, and knowledge crucial for social work practice as outlined by the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS, 2021). Social work relies on human interaction, empathy, ethical decision-making, and effective communication—skills that cannot be adequately assessed through AI-generated content. To ensure the integrity and development of these capabilities, students must verify that any grammar or writing enhancement programs used do not incorporate AI components. Compliance with this social work practice standard is vital for meeting ASWEAS graduate attributes and preparing for professional practice.
Literature and references
In this assessment, use at least ten references to support your argument. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the five elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as from government, university, or peak national bodies: for example, the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Requirements
· Use a cover page that includes your name and student number, the subject code, the date, and the number of words in your submission.
· Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with 2.0 line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).
· Include page numbers on the top right side of each page in a header.
· You may write in the first-person or third person perspective.
· Use formal academic language.
· Use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online APA Referencing Style Guide.
· The word count is considered from the introduction's first word to the conclusion's last word. The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Resources
· You can use unit provided materials and other credible sources (e.g. journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.
· We recommend that you access your discipline specific library guide: the Social Work and Community Services Guide.
· We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available at the CQUniversity Library website.
· For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.
· Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.
Week 12 Thursday (3 Oct 2024) 5:59 pm AEST
Exam Week Friday (18 Oct 2024)
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Social Innovation
- Critically reflect on social policies that are relevant to the human services
- Evaluate theories of policy development as they apply to social policy making in Australia.
- Articulate the strategies that social workers can engage in to influence policy development and advocate for positive policy reform
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.