Social Welfare & Policy

This course examines the values and norms that underlie social welfare services; the historical roots of current approaches to social services; the overt and covert functions of social welfare; and the political, social, cultural and economic forces that shape social welfare policy and services in the United States. Throughout the course, the parallel historical development of the profession of social work, including ways in which it responded to the demands of social problems across key periods of social welfare policy transformation will be considered. Students will also gain an understanding of the interrelated nature of global events and domestic social policy as it affects individuals and families across diverse practice settings. Spring semester