This course teaches advanced advocacy and social action to promote social justice for disadvantaged groups. The context of advocacy work within the welfare state and a range of strategies are explored.

Over the past two decades global capitalism has rapidly expanded and the Australian welfare state-like other welfare states-has contracted. In contrast to the post-war period, public welfare has been reoriented to promote economic development and it is criticised for not protecting human rights or satisfying needs. Welfare recipients (and many others) are under more obligations to demonstrate their deservedness to receive assistance. For many, these changes have been dramatic as well as harmful. To redress these changes and to prevent further disadvantage, advocacy and social action are required.

Advocacy and Social Action is both a theoretical and a practical course: it teaches you to critique social movements and the different concepts of the welfare state they correspond to, and to advocate for social change. The course will explore both the potential and the limitations of advocacy and social action. Different conceptions of power and protest are part of this exploration and the 'tools', skills and strategies of advocacy will be examined. Understanding competing interests and building alliances is part of advocacy and will be included in the strategies taught. Ethical issues are also considered. The course will include 'everyday' acts of advocacy as well as large scale campaigns. While the main focus is on the Australian welfare state, international projects are also included.

The starting point for this course is a commitment to equity, social justice and human rights. This does not mean that students (or staff) will necessarily agree on issues, practices or principles associated with advocacy and social action; nor will anyone be expected to adhere to a particular school of thought or line of argument. Differences of opinion will arise in discussions and you are expected to treat others with respect when they have different views to your own. You are expected to adopt an adult learning style with active participation in discussions and taking responsibility for your own learning.

Critical reflection is an important part of the course. You will be asked to consider your values, beliefs and attitudes towards advocacy and social action, be this 'everyday' organisational advocacy or large scale social action that might include confrontation.