Handbook

SPE211 provides a historical perspective on political social policy debates that helps us to understand contemporary developments in which social provisions are distributed and social conduct is regulated. The first part of this subject provides an introduction to politics, government and the Australian political system. This is aimed at providing a foundation for Part 2 which focuses more specifically on the role of governments in shaping society towards the achievement of social and economic goals. In the second part of this subject we explore the controversial and contested territory of the pursuit of social well-being through government social policies. The focus will be on the role of governments in shaping society and thereby creating a social environment in which individual citizens and whole sectors of the population enjoy more, or less, social opportunities and rewards. You are encouraged to participate in the SPE211 subject online by discussing and sharing your learning about subject topics and its application to debates in the media.