The American Welfare State

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the American social welfare state. The course explores the key characteristics of the U.S. social welfare state and how those features have changed since the 1960s' War on Poverty. The course also identifies the major debates about social provisions for the poor; investigates the social forces and demographic factors molding social welfare policies; discusses the impact of race and gender on the formulation and implementation of social policies; and critically examines private sector responses to deprivation and poverty. Through community engagement activities and outreach, readings, discussion, media presentations, and student participation the course can provide students with a deeper understanding of the U.S. welfare state and the populations of families and children that are served, underserved, and possibly dis-served by the system. Prerequisite(s): A SOC 115. May not be offered in 2024-2025.