This is an introduction to the history, philosophy and development of social welfare and the social work profession in the United States. The course traces the development of and the interrelationships between social welfare policy and social work practice. This course examines social welfare problems, the system of social welfare and its interrelationships with direct practice and the delivery of services. Particular emphasis is placed on the examination of different political and economic conceptions, as well as the ways they shape social programs and, in turn, social work practice. This course deals with the societal and social policy content that impacts professionals in their service roles. The general aim is to develop an analytic and critical approach to the study of how society politically and economically structures its caring responses. M.S.W. required course. Open to non-M.S.W. students with permission of the program director. Credits: 4