Course syllabus

SOCIOL 103: Social Policy, Social Justice

SEMESTER 2, 2018

15 points

Teacher:  Dr. Louise Humpage

Course delivery format:

2 hours of lectures and 1 hour of tutorial

(Timetable and room details can be viewed on Student Services Online)

Summary of Course Description:              

This course provides an overview of key contemporary social policy issues within the context of globalising economic processes and continuing gendered and racialised divisions.  It will discuss the way in which debates around social policy are constructed and the implications this has for social justice.  Case studies this year will include inequality, children and ethnic diversity.

The first section of the course introduces key concepts and theoretical perspectives crucial to the study of social policy.  This sets the scene for a series of case studies focusing on current social policy challenges in New Zealand and elsewhere.  The course will conclude with a brief consideration of the potential for social policy to facilitate social justice.

Course outcomes:

At the completion of the course, the student should be able to demonstrate:

• Knowledge and understanding about contemporary social policy issues in New Zealand within a broad theoretical context;

• Specific research skills appropriate to a policy-focused course. These include:

• Gathering and synthesising concepts and ideas from a wide range of academic and other relevant sources;
• Analysing data (such as tables and graphs) using critical thinking skills;
• Assessing and summarising alternative ways of thinking about policy problems.

Assessment Summary:

10% theory quiz in Week 3-4 (note this won't show in 'assignments' until I open the quiz for answers)

10% essay plan in Week 7

30% 2000 word essay due Week 10

50% 2 hour exam

For specific dates and details see course outline - found in 'modules' - 'other course resources'

Weekly Topics:

See course outline - found in 'modules' - 'other course resources'

Prescribed Texts:

A course reader is available for free by clicking on 'readings lists'

Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:           

The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Deadlines for coursework are set by course convenors and will be advertised in course material. You should submit your work on time. 

If you are ill or have other exceptional circumstances that mean you cannot submit an assignment on time, please contact Louise Humpage by email (l.humpage@auckland.ac.nz) BEFORE the due date wherever possible to discuss the possibility of an extension. You will need to provide appropriate evidence (e.g. medical certificate, death notice or eviction notice) and family holidays, sporting engagements and other planned events are NOT considered exceptional circumstances. Essays receiving an extension will be penalised one grade per day if they are not submitted by the revised deadline (and will not be marked if more than 7 days late) unless a new deadline is negotiated with Louise.

If you do not have an extension, you can still submit your assignment up until 7 days after the due date but you will be penalised one grade per day (i.e. a B essay will drop to B- if it is a day late). This includes the weekend because electronic submission means assignments can be submitted any time! No essay that is over 7 days late will be graded unless an extension has previously been negotiated with Louise Humpage.