Course Description
This course provides an overview of the history of social welfare policy and social work, with an emphasis upon major policy initiatives, such as Income Security, and their impact upon systems (e.g., individuals, families, organizations). This course will also describe the role of the social work profession in shaping social work policy, and how policy initiatives inform practice. Finally, this course will provide a historical account of how social service programs have impacted vulnerable and marginalized populations, and current major political initiatives will be reviewed. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Understand what social welfare policy is and how social problems are conceptualized.
- Recognize how social policy may oppress, marginalize, and enhance privilege.
- Understand the origins of social policy and current events.
- Analyze and advocate for policies that advance social wellbeing.
- Critically evaluate policies and advocate policies that advance social wellbeing.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) / Competencies
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
- Engage in Policy Practice
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
General Education Outcomes (GEOs)
Please check the applicable GEOs for this course, if any, by outcomes at GEO Category Search, or by subject area at GEO Discipline Search.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7) | 10% |
Blogs (1, 2, 4, 5, & 7) | 10% |
PowerPoint Presentations (Weeks 1 & 7) | 10% |
Quizzes (Weeks 2, 4, & 6) | 10% |
Essays (Weeks 2, 6, & 8) | 15% |
Group Project (Week 6) | 15% |
Final Exam (Week 8) | 30% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore
- Axinn, J. & Stern, M.J. (2018). Social Welfare: A History of the American Response to Need, 9th Edition. Pearson Higher Ed. ISBN-13: 978-0-13-444991-3 or ISBN-10: 0-13-444991-6
Course Schedule
Week | PLOs | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1-9 | 1,3,4 | Topic: Social Welfare’s Past
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2 | 1-9 | 1-5 | Topic: The Colonial Period: 1647-1776
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3 | 1-9 | 1-5 | Topic: The Pre-Civil War Period: 1777-1860
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4 | 1-9 | 1,2,3,5 | Topic: The Civil War and After: 1860-1900
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5 | 1-9 | 1-5 | Topic: Progress and Reform: 1900-1930
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6 | 1-9 | 1-5 | Topic: Conservative Resurgence and Social Change: 1968-1992
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7 | 1-9 | 1,2,3,5 | Topic: Social Welfare and the Information Society: 1992-2016
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8 | 1-9 | 1-5 | Topic: Reflections and Current Trends in Social Work
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.