Social Welfare Policy and Services

This course introduces students to the issues and problems associated with social welfare interventions at the policy level, including an overview of its history in the US. Students are expected to learn and develop competencies in analyzing the components of current social welfare policies; designing programmatic alternatives; anticipating substantive, operational, and political advantages and disadvantages; and weighing trade-offs of policy choices. Policy domains to be considered include education, health, employment, safety net programs, and housing. While focusing on public policies, the course will include consideration of the impact of policies and programs on individuals and families.