An overview of the history and current status of social welfare policy in the United States. Considers the origins, development, and analysis of significant policies, values, attitudes and other issues related to the social welfare system and the delivery of service. Focuses on policy analysis from a social and economic justice perspective.

Agents of socialization that most significantly affect family, group, and organizational development and behavior within an ecosystems framework. Particular attention is paid to the influence of class, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation and other aspects of diversity on development and behavior of larger systems.

Continuation of SW 622. Delineation and study of intervention and change strategies differentiated with individuals, groups, and communities. Prereq: SW 622. Writing intensive.

Builds on the curricular content covered in Introduction to Social Welfare Policy (SW 525). Both courses view social welfare policy as the framework from which social work services are developed and delivered. This course examines the macroeconomic context for policy analysis and advocacy and integrates policy and practice through student research and analysis of specific social problems. Policymaking is analyzed in legislative, community, organizational, and global environments emphasizing advocacy in the pursuit of social and economic justice. Prereq: SW 424, SW 525. Special fee.