SW 302 - Introduction to Social Welfare Policy

Units: 4 ; Breadth Area: Social Justice Overlay
Surveys major themes in social welfare policy and examines the associated values, theoretical assumptions, political and budgetary considerations, and structures. Emphasizes the application of social justice-oriented theoretical frameworks for understanding the role and impact of policy.

Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: Overlay - Social Justice
Prerequisites: BSW Major. Successful completion of SW 300, SW 301, and SW 325W.
Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground, or Hybrid, or Online-Synchronous.
Grading: Grading: A-F grading only.
Course Typically Offered: Spring ONLY

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Identify the intended and unintended structural, institutional, social, and cultural consequences of social welfare policies on minority and vulnerable communities by applying: (i) various social justice oriented conceptual frameworks, including critical, functional, residual, and institutional perspectives, and (ii) a policy analysis framework that examines definitions of forms of social allocations and services, eligibility (i.e., “who gets what”), delivery, financing mechanisms, and underlying social values, theories, and assumptions.
Know and speak the “language of the social welfare system” by showing knowledge of principal historical events, local and national policies, agencies, programs, procedures, etc. to help clients understand how the system impacts them, advocate effectively, contribute to professional discussions, and communicate professionally in diverse spheres of work.
Situate one’s professional role as social workers in a historical context, including demonstrating a philosophical understanding of the nature of social work within the social welfare system, and be able to identify and address ethical, social, and political dilemmas.
Understand how federal, state, county, and agency policies drive practices and services offered in the social welfare system and the social worker’s roles and options in choosing how to implement policies and procedures to promote the well-being of clients.
Advocate for the well-being of individuals and families in the social welfare system by knowing the system, its power structure and policies (including where there is “slack”), and the process of manipulating and making changes in the system.

Social Justice Overlay Learning Outcomes

use a disciplinary perspective to analyze issues of social justice and equity;
describe the challenges to achieving social justice; and
identify ways in which individuals and/or groups can contribute to social justice within local communities, nations, or the world.