SOWK 341 - Social Welfare Systems and Services

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Two courses focusing on historical, economic, political, and philosophical foundations of American social welfare policy. In the first semester the origins of social welfare and the history of social welfare and social work in the United States are presented. Concepts important to understanding social welfare policy and delivering services to clients of various backgrounds and differing life experiences are studied, including that of social justice in the light of our Judeo Christian heritage. The impact of discrimination in American history is assessed, with a consideration of how societal inequities might be remedied. In SOWK 341 students engage in social policy analysis, in the study of social welfare systems and services, and formulate social policy recommendations in the form of written legislative testimony. Social welfare services are studied, with application to specific case situations. Students are introduced to an overview of the legal system, and to the legislation and regulations pertinent to social work generalist practice. SOWK 340 is offered in the spring. SOWK 341 is taken concurrently with SOWK 490 in the fall semester of the senior year. Prerequisite(s): Formal admission to the program.