Assists students in developing a working understanding of
American social policy and the social welfare system and these
systems’ responses to human need in relation to social work.
Emphasis is placed on examining social, historic, political,
economic, legal, and cultural concepts that influence service
delivery.
Athena Title
Social Welfare Pol Prog Issues
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in SOWK 7121E
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
The student will be able to articulate the historical development of American social policy/social welfare system and the emergence and role of the social work profession.
The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of major historical events which influenced social thought and preceded the development of shifts in policy development.
The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of government in the formulation, design and implementation of social welfare programs.
The student will be able to identify and apply principles of policy analysis to social problems for the purpose of problem resolution.
The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of forms of oppression and discrimination that impact communities, families and individuals and is prepared to offer social and economic justice positions for those individuals and/or groups who are most vulnerable in those systems.
The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of values and ideologies that undergird social welfare policies and the social work profession.
The student will be able to identify and apply policy action skills such as analysis, advocacy and policy development to enhance human rights, economic justice, social well-being and/or quality of social services.
Topical Outline
Social Welfare Policy and the American Welfare State
A Framework for Social Welfare Policy Analysis
Discrimination, Oppression, and Stigma in America
The Voluntary Sector and Privatization of Social Services
The Making of Government Policy
Poverty, Taxation Policy, and Income Distribution
Social Insurance and Public Assistance Programs
The Big Problem: America’s Health Care Policy
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Policies
Criminal Justice
Child Welfare Policy
Housing and Food Policy
Education Policy
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
