This course builds upon the content of MSW 5000 and introduces students to the development and analysis of contemporary social welfare policy in three dynamic parts. Initially, students delve into several concepts related to the development of social welfare policy and how the values of the profession apply to policy development. This includes a dynamic and rich exploration of the historical underpinnings of social policy, social injustice and systemic racism. In part two of the class, students are able to identify and apply a variety of theoretical frameworks for understanding and analyzing social policy. This includes investigating social welfare policy areas, including child welfare policy, criminal justice policy, social inequality, poverty, health care, housing and the foundations of the Americans with Disabilities Act/laws. Each topic area is also used to illustrate a component of the policy development and analysis process, including the analysis of ideologies and values as they shape policy formulation, the process by which legislation is proposed and enacted, the roles and advocacy of lobbying organizations and the challenges of policy implementation and evaluation. In part three of the class, students perform a deep analysis of the current cases being adjudicated by the United States Supreme Court. M.S.W. required course. Credits: 4
Prerequisite(s): MSW 5000