The University of New South Wales

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Social Science and Policy - SLSP1000
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Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of Social Sciences and International Studies
 
 
Course Outline: http://slsp.arts.unsw.edu.au/
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Explores the nature of social science, the knowledge and information created by it, and how this is applied to real world policy problems. These applications are examined in the context of a range of policy areas drawn from health, education, environment and social policy. Investigates how policy is developed, changed, implemented and evaluated and the role social science plays in this process. Considers practical, political and ethical problems encountered by social scientists in applying their knowledge and skills to inform policy and the role social science plays in the management of social change.

Note: One hour of this course is web-based with two hours face-to-face.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course students should, at a basic level, be able to:
  • Identify the parameters of policy problems, including appreciation of the diversity of stakeholders and potential causes of policy problems
  • Understand how social science research is constructed, including an appreciation of the role of theory, method and ethical procedures
  • Prepare a policy briefing paper
  • Research academic databases for scholarly information
  • Analyse critically scholarly literature and write a review of literature in a policy area
  • Understand the organisational context of social science knowledge production, and the implications for values and ethics of professional policy workers.

Assessment

  • Policy briefing report (1500 words) - 30%
  • Library research and critical review (1500 words) - 30%
  • Weekly Tests - 30%
  • Participation - 10%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.