Course Description
Social insurance, public assistance, and social service programs in the United States. Social welfare within a capitalist economy and an individualistic, democratic society. The influences of American economics and politics on social services and social work practice. Introduction to models of policy analysis.
Athena Title
SW Policy and Services
Non-Traditional Format
Learning teams, which promote critical thinking, research, writing and discussion skills, and which require extensive work out of class, will be used.
Prerequisite
(SOWK 2154 or SOWK 2154S) and SOWK 2155 and (SOWK 2156 or SOWK 2156E) and permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will learn to develop a working understanding of American social policy and the social
welfare system, its response to human need and its relation to the organized profession of social work. Emphasis is placed on identifying and examining social, political, economic, legal and cultural concepts that influence policy formation, program development and service delivery. The emergence of social work and the profession’s role in social welfare policy is emphasized.
Topical Outline
- 1. Apply critical thinking skills and knowledge within professional contexts, especially with respect to theories and
knowledge about alternative paradigms for viewing individuals, families, groups, and communities. Practice Behaviors
- 2. Articulate the historical development of American social policy/social welfare system and the emergence and role of the social work profession. Practice Behaviors
- 3. Demonstrate an understanding of major historical events which influenced social thought and preceded the development of shifts in policy development. Practice Behaviors
- 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of government in the formulation, design, and implementation of social welfare programs. Practice Behaviors
- 5. Identify and apply principles of policy analysis to social problems for the purpose of problem resolution. Practice
Behaviors
- 6. Demonstrate an understanding of forms of oppression and discrimination that impact communities, families and
individuals and prepare to offer social and economic justice positions for those individuals and/or groups who are most vulnerable in those systems. Practice Behaviors
- 7. Demonstrate an understanding of values that under-gird social welfare policies and the social work profession.
Practice Behaviors
Institutional Competencies
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
