Social Welfare Policy I: History, Trends and Fundamental Concepts

3 hours; 3 credits; An introduction to fundamental concepts, values, terminology, frameworks, and ethical issues that define social welfare policy. Students will be introduced to the historical and philosophical bases of American social welfare programs. This course will help students understand the contemporary welfare state in terms of its underlying motivations - political, economic, ideological, religious, and social - their impact on social welfare institutions, and the role of the profession of social work in this context. This is the first of a two-part sequence, designed to prepare generalist practitioners with an understanding of the evolution of the social welfare system in the United States, as well as in the global context. The course specifically emphasizes how historically under represented groups (e.g. people of color, people with disabilities, women, LGBTQ people, and children) have been affected by social welfare policy throughout history. Prerequisite : POL 100 and SWK 305.

Fall, Spring

022251