The American Welfare State

Catalog description

This course will explore the historical development, political theories, economics, and policies of the American welfare state. While the concept of welfare is often associated with assistance programs intended to benefit the dependent poor, the welfare state is considerably larger. Our task is to understand the welfare state as a larger framework whose task is the well being of all citizens, i.e. policies that promote the general welfare. While we will certainly pay attention to issues of poverty and public assistance programs, our focus will by no means be restricted to them. Rather we want to explore the welfare state in its broadest terms, which would include general employment policies, education, child care and health care. (Previously NJCU Course INTD-513)