Course Description
This course examines the characteristics and history of social welfare and policies. Students engage will in major social policies in its development and implementation. Strategies for changing policies with a focus on social, environmental, and economic justice is emphasized. These strategies will reinforce to students their role as leaders and change agents within social welfare. (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
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Polling Discussion Boards (Weeks 1-8) | 21% |
Reflection Discussion Boards (Weeks 1-8) | 21% |
Chapter Video Activities (Weeks 1-8) | 18% |
Chapter Exercises (Weeks 1-8) | 19% |
Weekly Quizzes (Weeks 1- 8) | 21% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
The Charter Oak Book Bundle provides all undergraduate and graduate students with access to required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes, and electronic book versions in a convenient bundle before the first day of class—often at discounted prices.
Through a partnership with Barnes & Noble, the Book Bundle allows students to obtain required course materials for all classes for a per-credit fee, regardless of the individual cost of each textbook or digital access. Rather than purchasing materials separately, the rental cost is added to the student's account along with tuition. Digital materials are automatically added to students' Blackboard courses. For courses requiring physical textbooks, books will be shipped to students' homes at no additional charge.
The Social Work Program has partnered with Cengage to provide all e-texts, MindTap activities, and other resources through the Cengage Unlimited Subscription. You can access this resource through the Charter Oak Book Bundle.
The textbook used for this course obtained through Cengage Unlimited is:
Jansson, B. (2019). Empowerment Series: The Reluctant Welfare State - with MindTap Access. 9th ed.
Course Schedule
Week | PLOs | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1-5 | 1-5 | Topics: Introduction to Class, Blackboard and Cengage MindTap & Making the American Welfare State More Humane-Past, Present, and Future
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2 | 1-5 | 1-5 | Topics: Fashioning a New Society in the Wilderness & Social Welfare Policy in the 19th Century: 1789-1902
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3 | 1-5 | 1-5 | Topics: Social Reform in the Progressive Era & Social Policy to Address the Worst Economic Catastrophe in U.S. History
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4 | 1-5 | 1-5 | Topics: The Era of Federal Social Services & The Paradoxical Era: 1968-1980
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5 | 1-5 | 1-5 | Topic: The Conservative Counterrevolution in the Era of Reagan and G.H.W. Bush & Reluctance Illustrated-Policy Uncertainty during the Presidency of Bill Clinton
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6 | 1-5 | 1-5 | Topics: George W. Bush’s Quest for Realignment & Would President Barak Obama Reverse the Cycle of History?
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7 | 1-5 | 1-5 | Topics: President Donald Trump & Why Has the American Welfare State Been Reluctant-And What Can We do about it?
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8 | 1-5 | 1-5 | Topics: Social Welfare: It’s Business, History and Future & Social Work as a Profession and Career & Generalist Social Work Practice
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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.