SOWK 5104

Social Welfare Policy and Services

This course examines the historical roots, mission, and philosophy of social welfare as an institution that responds to human needs and social problems, as well as the social, economic, and political forces that shaped and continue to shape social welfare. The course reviews the political processes for influencing policy formulation processes and improving social welfare services. Frameworks for analyzing policies and services are introduced to identify strengths, gaps, inadequacies, and inequalities in social programs and services. The course also explores how oppression, discrimination and social injustice issues impact at risk populations, especially at risk individuals and families of rural Appalachia.

Units: 3.0