This course is an introduction to the nature and development of social welfare policy, social services, and the social work profession. Students will read about, review, and discuss the major features of social welfare and social work history, the principle fields of social work practice, and the typical social services available in American communities, including mental health, child welfare, and health and anti-poverty programs. The implications of culture, social values, economics, governmental structure, and politics on policy and the structure and operations of social services will be considered. Ethical considerations in policy and practice as well as issues of social equality and economic justice will be themes throughout the semester. Limited international comparisons of both service and policy also will be provided. In addition, the development and status of the profession of social work will be considered.
This course reflects the Curriculum Policy Statement of the Council on Social Work Education and the stated objectives of the BSW program within the School of Social Work. Specifically, the course relates to objectives concerned with the range of social services, the history and development of social welfare and social work, the impact of social policy, and human diversity as they relate to policy and services.