This course provides an introduction to the field of social welfare, primarily in the United States.  Values and concepts that are important to an understanding of social welfare policy and services are presented. By examining historical and contemporary perspectives and concepts, the course traces the development of the profession. The course prepares students to describe and begin analyzing social welfare policies and services, and distributive justice in social, cultural, political, economic, and global contexts. This course also focuses on policy at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels and professional writing for social work practice. Through reading and writing assignments, class instruction, and instructor and peer critiques, students gain knowledge of elements and techniques used to examine policy. Hence, students will be evaluated in part through policy focused written activities that are clear, organized, and well developed. This writing intensive course will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge through professional writing with the utilization of case studies, assessment tools, and skills for policy review. Furthermore, this course introduces students to the skills required for the critical analysis of current social welfare policy. Behavioral and achievement indicators will be assessed through peer and instructor feedback. Students will examine professional values so that anti-oppressive professional practice standards can be upheld to advance human rights.

Prerequisite: Admission to MSW Program.