SOWK 742: Social Welfare Policy Analysis

Course Syllabus

I. Purpose/Rationale of the Course

This course builds on the foundation policy course SOWK 741 and is part of the social welfare policy and services sequence. The course is designed to help the student focus on the political and ideological factors of policy development, implementation and evaluation. The course analyzes the elements that affect the intended and unintended outcomes of policy implementation and explores criteria for evaluating the attainment of policy goals and objectives.

II. Content of the Course

This course focuses on the development, implementation and evaluation of social welfare policy, with special attention to social policies that affect disadvantaged and oppressed groups in society. The role of the economy, politics and culture in policy development and implementation will be examined. Several frameworks for evaluating social welfare policies will be introduced. The responsibilities of social workers in political advocacy and policy practice will be explored and highlighted.

This course establishes a connection between social welfare policy and social work practice. Theoretical frameworks pertaining to formulation and analysis of social welfare policies are addressed. Current social welfare policies and services as well as the contemporary economic, social, political and organization processes, factors and forces shaping these policies are examined within these frameworks. Particular emphasis is put on the development and implementation of policies within organizations and the roles social workers assume as critical thinkers in effecting change.

III. Course Objectives

A student who successfully completes this course will be able to:

1.      Define and describe the components of social welfare policy.

2.      Understand the models utilized in the analysis of social welfare policy as well as compare and contrast different frameworks for understanding need determination, policy analysis, and policy development.

3.      Describe the factors that influence the development, implementation and evaluation of social welfare policy.

4.      Knowledge of current social welfare policies and the organization and structure of systems developed to deliver related services, with particular emphasis on social problems of South Carolina and the region.

5.      Describe and identify gaps in the social welfare system as they relate to oppressed populations and include such observations in policy analysis.

6.      Influence the political and organizational processes and actions to influence policymaking, analysis, advocacy, empowerment and policy practice.

7.      Properly utilize electronic resources to access policy related research, data and information.

8.      Evaluate and select appropriate research materials for use in studying current social problems and policies and interpret available research and data, including tables, graphs and descriptive statistics found in journal articles as they related to policy analysis.

IV. Linkages to Other Courses

This course is the second policy course in the policy sequence. The course builds on the content learned in 741. This course is offered parallel to the first research course (791) taught in the second semester. As students learn about the development of a sound knowledge base on which effective policies can be based and about the evaluation of social programs they are encouraged to use research to evaluate social welfare policies. Students need to be able to analyze a case at all system levels; this course enables them to analyze macro influences in 718 cases. Understanding how policy directly affects social work practice links this course to the field work placement.

 V.  Methods of Instruction

This course includes lectures and discussions, readings, guest speakers, videotapes and other audio-visual materials, and some opportunities for experiential learning.  Exposure to South Carolina agencies, officials, and social welfare programs is emphasized throughout the course.

Disability Status:

Any student who because of a disability may need special arrangements or accommodations to meet the requirements of this course should consult with the instructor as soon as possible. The office of Disability Services provides an array of services to meet the needs of students with disabilities, according to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. See information and guidelines provided in the College’s student handbook and The Carolina Community: Student Handbook and Policy Guide.