SW 320—An Overview of U.S. Social Welfare Policies

This course provides an introduction to social welfare policies, defined as the many programs and policies that have been developed in the United States to assist and provide support for people in need. Students will study the development of social welfare policies and programs in the United States, as well as the political, economic, and social factors involved in the creation, implementation, administration, and limitations of these programs. Students will be familiarized with many of the basic social welfare programs and examine how the programs do and do not serve their intended populations. A collaborative, trauma-informed, racial equity, and human rights lens will be used to discuss the impacts of these programs and the changes that are necessary to achieve a more equitable society. Students will also be introduced to the various roles of social workers within the social welfare system.