Research Essay or Briefing Paper: Showcasing Your Community Services Expertise

This final assignment offers you two exciting options to demonstrate your understanding of community services challenges in Australia. Both choices leverage social research methods to address real-world issues, but cater to different academic and professional aspirations.

Option 1: Research Essay - Dive Deep into Intellectual Inquiry (50%)

Unleash your scholarly spirit! This option is your playground to explore complex community services issues through an in-depth research essay. Research papers will.

• • Select a complex issue in Australian community services and conduct a rigorous policy analysis using social science research methods.
  • Delve into the intricacies of relevant policy frameworks to generate comprehensive and insightful scholarly arguments.
  • Propose strategic recommendations informed by your analysis, aiming to advance scholarly discourse and contribute to theoretical and methodological foundations within the context of community services research.
  • Showcase sophisticated academic writing skills and adhere to all formatting and referencing guidelines.

 Use your research findings to weave a compelling narrative, contributing fresh perspectives to scholarly discourse and potentially influencing future research directions.
Impress us with your sophisticated writing, demonstrating mastery of proper formatting and referencing to elevate your analysis to the next level.
 

Benefits:

• Hone your critical thinking and analytical skills to a razor-sharp edge.
• Immerse yourself in the intellectual thrill of exploring intricate issues and contributing to scholarly conversations.
• Develop a strong foundation for potential postgraduate studies or academic careers.

Example Topics:

• The long-term effects of welfare reform policies on specific demographics.
• The role of social media in fostering or hindering community engagement in low-income areas.
• The ethical considerations of implementing technology-based solutions for mental health services.

Option 2: Briefing Paper - Make a Real-World Impact (50%)

Ready to get hands-on? This option lets you translate research into actionable solutions that can directly benefit communities. You will need to:

• Identify a pressing community services challenge: Pinpoint a specific issue and use applied research methods to gather valuable data and insights.
• Propose evidence-based recommendations that are clear, concise, and feasible for implementation by real-world stakeholders.
• Develop a compelling briefing paper that effectively communicates your research findings and convinces key decision-makers to take action.

Benefits:

• See your research directly contribute to making a positive difference in people's lives.
• Develop practical skills valuable in future careers in community services, policy advocacy, or social impact consulting.
• Gain experience in communicating complex information to diverse audiences in a clear and persuasive manner.

Example Topics:

• Designing a program to improve employment outcomes for young people leaving foster care.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of community outreach programs in reducing homelessness among veterans.
• Developing a sustainable funding model for after-school programs in underserved neighborhoods.

Remember: Both options offer rewarding pathways to showcase your understanding of community services challenges.

Choose wisely, based on your academic goals and career aspirations. And no matter which path you choose, be prepared to impress us with your creativity, critical thinking, and passion for making a difference!

View the attached Rubric for detailed marking guidelines.