Social Welfare - Intro Social Policy & Advocacy

Catalog description

This generalist policy analysis and advocacy course provides students with essential policy knowledge and policy practice skills, at the conclusion of their BSW education or as the foundation for their advanced MSW studies. The course examines existing social policies through the lens of social work values—particularly our profession’s commitment to social, economic, racial, and environmental justice—and equips students to engage in policy change in pursuit of societal equity and human well-being. In this course, students learn policy analysis knowledge and skills, with an emphasis on understanding how social welfare policy design, funding, and implementation affect people’s lives and influence the delivery of social work services. Policies designed to reduce poverty, address racial inequities, improve health, and increase social justice serve as exemplars for developing conceptual abilities in this course. Through critical examination of policies in the major domains of social work practice (physical and mental health, children and families, aging, housing, economic security), students prepare for policy-informed practice and for effective engagement in policy change strategies. Continuing students’ preparation for professional practice, the course emphasizes social welfare policy as the foundation for social work practice and positions policy analysis and intervention as integral to effective and ethical social work. Prerequisite: Must be admitted to the School of Social Welfare. Grade of B or better in SW 220.