Critical Theories in Social Welfare

Catalog description

This doctoral seminar focuses on the nature and role of theory in contemporary social welfare research and policy, informed by a central commitment to social justice and multiculturalism. It provides foundations in the socially constructed nature of theory and social 'problems' and in historical changes in conceptual and theoretical perspectives on human society, interactions, and policy in the social realm. Domains of interest encompass a range of theoretical perspectives and provide the opportunity for exploring the theoretical and meta-theoretical assumptions and models that frame social welfare and social science scholarship, research, and policy. The overarching goal of this course is to help you develop a working knowledge of how theory, including metatheoretical assumptions and mid-level 'explanatory' theories shape social welfare and social science scholarship, research, and policy. Reviewing, critiquing, refining, and integrating theories is central to this process and thus we will devote much of the course to these tasks. Also central to this process if the linking of 'levels of theory' (i.e. metatheoretical assumptions; grand theory; and mid-level 'explanatory' theory) to the applied, i.e. contemporary social work practice and social welfare policy. To this end, the major assignment provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of theoretical developments in a social welfare research domain of personal interest. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on critical thinking, collegial engagement, and the conventions of formal scholarly practice.