Courses & Units

Social Problems and Social Policy HGA223

Introduction

The unit examines significant social problems in Australia and the work of the welfare state, through social policy, to solve them. This includes looking at discourses, social actors, institutions and historical events, and how these have shaped the way social problems are thought about and acted upon. Through different approaches to policy analysis and concepts such as neoliberalism, managerialism and community, the unit explores the ideas, processes and practices that make up social policy, programs and services. There is a particular focus on the significant social issues of homelessness, income support and disability. The unit is relevant to anyone who wants to understand contemporary social problems and policies, especially those studying sociology, social work, education, law and the criminal justice system.

Summary

Unit name Social Problems and Social Policy
Unit code HGA223
Credit points 12.5
College/School College of Arts, Law and Education
School of Social Sciences
Discipline Sociology and Criminology
Coordinator Doctor Kathleen Flanagan
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 On-Campus International Domestic
Launceston Semester 2 On-Campus International Domestic
Cradle Coast Semester 2 On-Campus International Domestic
Online Semester 2 Off-Campus International Domestic

Key

On-campus
Off-Campus
International students
Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 22/7/2024 16/8/2024 9/9/2024 27/10/2024

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain how contemporary social problems are constructed in policy making processes.
  • Analyse the development and implementation of social policies in Australia.
  • Apply relevant theories and concepts to social problems and social policy.
  • Communicate understanding of relevant information, ideas, theories and concepts clearly and logically.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
090301 $2,040.00 $957.00 not applicable $2,324.00

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

25 credit points at Introductory level or higher

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On Campus:

Weekly recorded lectures (1 hour) and Weekly workshop (90 minutes)

Off Campus: 

Asynchronous Online Learning Activities (equivalent to 90 minutes weekly) and 3x 1 hour webinars during semester. 

AssessmentWorkshop exercises (30%)|Essay (35%)|Take-home exam (35%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

LinksBooktopia textbook finder

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