SWK 210: Social Welfare

Spring
This course introduces students to the concepts, history, and development of social welfare, social welfare institutions, and social policy within the United States. The course is designed to prepare students to systematically analyze social problems and to gain understanding of the social welfare system in the U.S. The evolution, and current status, of the profession of social work is described as it interfaces with social welfare development, policies, and practices. The role of discrimination, oppression, and inequality in the establishment and implementation of social welfare policies and services is also explored. Social problems of ongoing concern including poverty, health care, and rural issues are highlighted and gaps in policies and programs especially as they link to social and economic justice, diversity, populations at risk, and social work ethics and values are assessed.