SOWK 5070 Social Welfare Policy
This course introduces students to the concepts, history and development of social welfare, social welfare institutions and social policy within the United States and how they shape the context of social work practice. The evolution and current status of the profession of social work is described as it interfaces with social welfare development, policies and practices. An analytic framework is utilized to identify trends and assess gaps in policies and programs especially as they impact on minorities, women and other vulnerable groups. Reform is discussed in terms of the policy alternatives and the need for social work involvement in political arenas, advocacy groups and as a part of organizational change efforts in order to advance social and economic justice, service delivery, and how political and social ideologies influence policy development.