School of Social Work

Challenging Mind i. Leading Change, Transforming lives

MASTER SYLLABUS
SOCIAL WORK 4710
SOCIAL WELFARE IN THE UNITED STATES: CURRENT PROGRAMS
3 CREDIT HOURS
Fall 2014
Instructor: Cassandra J. Bowers, PhD., LMSW
Email: aa2083@wayne.edu
Office Phone: (313) 577-4433
Home Phone: (248)-651-2963
Office Hours: By appointment - Either face to face or online
COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is the second course in the policy curricular area. This course offers a description and
analysis of major social welfare programs in the United States.
^COURSE COMPETENCIES AND PRACTICE BEHAVIORS FOR THIS COURSE

social work ethical principles to guide professional practice

Practice Behaviors:
Recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide
practice; make ethical decisions by applying standards of the NASW Code of Ethics; tolerate
ambiguity in resolving conflicts; apply concepts of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled
decisions.
2.1.3 Apply Critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments
Practice Behaviors:
Distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including research based
knowledge, and practice wisdom; analyze models of assessment, prevention, intervention and
evaluation; demonstrate effective oral and written communication in working with individuals,
families, groups, organizations, communities, and collegues

2.1.4 Engage diversity and difference in practice

Practice Behaviors:
Gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal bias and values in working
with diverse groups; recognize and communicate the importance of difference in shaping life
experiences
2.1.5 Advance human rights and social and economic justice
Practice Behaviors:
Advocate for human rights and social justice; Engage in practice that advance social and
economic justice
2.1.8 Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver
effective social work services.
Practice Behaviors:
Analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance social well-being; Collaborate with
colleagues and clients for effective policy action
TEXTS AND REQUIRED MATERIAL

Karger, H. J. and Stoesz, D. (2010). American Social Welfare: A Pluralist Approach (7th ed.)
Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
INTRODUCTION

This senior-level course helps students develop a critical understanding of the social welfare
system in this country, with emphasis placed on the structure of current programs, services, and
policies, and how these policies compare internationally. Course content provides students with
knowledge and skills to understand major policies that form the foundation of social welfare.
Special attention is paid to analyzing and reforming current social welfare policies at local, state,
national and international levels and applying the results of policy practice skills in regard to
economic, political, and organizational systems. The application of policy practice skills will be
implemented to influence, formulate and advocate for policy consistent with social work values;
and identify financial, organizational, administrative, and planning processes required to deliver
social services.
Course content begins with a brief review of the history of social welfare in this country and
trends in the development of our social welfare system. Current policies and programs are
described and analyzed using a policy analysis framework. Gaps in existing programs (such as
welfare and social security) are identified and impacts on the lives of minorities, women, and
other oppressed groups are emphasized. The social worker's ongoing role as policy reformer
and advocate for social and economic justice is presented throughout the course.