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.

Introduces human behavior and development as it influences and is influenced by multiple factors in the social environment, including individual genetic and biological composition, race, gender, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, geographic location, physical appearance, and ability. How these factors operate throughout the life cycle. Provides a knowledge base and perspective to understand a client's behavior, attitude, and values in relation to the attitudes and values of the social work professional and the larger society.

Introduces students to practitioner-researcher role in social work. Critical evaluation of, and introduction to research including project design, survey and evaluative methodologies. Introduction to statistics used in research process. Each student completes an individual research project. Cannot be taken for credit after SOC 601 or PSYC 502. Prereq: SW 424 and junior or senior standing or permission. Writing intensive.

This course provides an overview of behavioral health and wellbeing through a social justice lens. While students will learn about the traditional approach to behavioral health including the diagnosis and assessment of ?mental illness?, they will also explore contemporary perspectives that view our behavioral health as inseparable from our bodies, families, communities, and other social determinants of health.