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(SOCW 366) Social Welfare Policy

Students acquire knowledge of the history and role of the social work profession in policymaking and in social welfare systems in the U.S. Students develop critical analysis skills.

Credit Hours 3.0 Lecture
Prerequisite SOCW 160, Admission to Major
Offered Fall, Winter, Spring
Programs Social Work (BSW)

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this course, students will be able to:

  1. Students will be able to discuss the role social workers play in the pursuit of social justice around the world.
  2. Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of the United States government, including the three branches of government, the three levels of government, how laws are made, the budgetary process, and the roles of major political parties and ideologies.
  3. Students will be to define and discuss the three major components of policy practice: policy analysis, advocacy, and empowerment.
  4. Students will be able to analyze the basic components of a social welfare program and determine whether that program is a social insurance, public assistance, or social services program.
  5. Students will be able to discuss the role of the Social Security Act in the development of social welfare in the United States
  6. Students will be able to identify social welfare policies and programs in the United States related to poverty, health, mental health, disability, and criminal justice.
  7. Students will be able to compare and contrast the social welfare policies and programs of theUnited States with the policies and programs of other countries, particularly within the BYU-Hawaiitarget area.
  8. Students will be able to identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services. (PB14)
  9. Students will be able to assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services. (PB15)
  10. Students will be able to apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. (PB16)