MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK BSW PROGRAM FALL 2012 SW 302 SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY AND SERVICES I This document is not a contract between the student and the professor, department or the university. It merely provides a guide of the activities for the course. Academic Term and Year: Fall 2012 Course Prefix and Number: SW 302.01 Course Title: Social Welfare Policy and Services I Days Monday/Wednesday/Friday Time: 9:00 AM 9:50 AM Location: 203 Sutton Administration Building Professor: Dr. Baxter B. Wright, ACSW Office Location: Room 206 Sutton Administration Building Office Phone Number: 662-254-3373 Mobile Phone: 301-512-3853 Office Hours: Monday 10:00 12:00 & 1:00 3:00 Wednesday 10 11:00 & 2:00 3:00 Thursday 11:00 AM 3:00 PM Other times by Appointment E-Mail: bbwright@mvsu.edu COURSE SYLLABUS The course outline is not a contract between the students and the instructor, department or university. It merely provides a guide. Course Prerequisites: SW210 Previous courses/experience required: Co-requisites: SW307, SW320 Technology skills: Basic computer and internet skills - The student must be able to access websites that provide descriptions of existing and proposed policies and course content. COURSE DESCRIPTION This course entails an examination of social welfare, policies, programs and services. It is in this class that students begin to develop skills in policy analysis, advocacy, planning, and evaluation. Prerequisite: SW 210. (3)
EXPANDED COURSE DESCRIPTION This course will provide the student knowledge about the policy foundations of the social work profession. Students will learn to identify the different types of social welfare programs, particularly related to the types of benefits, the different eligibility requirements and methods of distribution. Students will also learn to connect the history of social policy development to the creation of current policies and services. DISABILITY STATEMENT: Students who have disabilities covered under the American with Disabilities Act and who need special accommodations should contact Ms. Kathy Brownlow of the University s Disabilities Office. Her phone number is: 254-3442. CREDIT HOURS: Three (3) DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK/BSW PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Department of Social Work at Mississippi Valley State University is to prepare graduates to practice with individuals in need and populations at risk in rural environments. Baccalaureate students are prepared to apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Baccalaureate social work education at Mississippi Valley State University is anchored in the person-in-the-environment perspective. PROGRAM GOALS 1. Educate students for entry level social work positions for generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. 2. Provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills for working with diverse populations, including oppressed, minority and rural populations. 3. Instill in students a professional social work identity and the values and ethics of the profession. Program Objectives Graduates of the Baccalaureate Social Work Program will: 1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice. 2. Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles and practice accordingly. 3. Practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge and skills related to clients age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
4. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice. 5. Understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues. 6. Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes. 7. Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand individual development and behavior across the lifespan and the interactions among individuals and between individuals and families, groups, organizations and communities. 8. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies. 9. Evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice, and evaluate their own practice interventions. 10. Use communication skills differentially across client populations, colleagues and communities. 11. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice. 12. Function within the structure of the organizations and service delivery systems and seek necessary organizational change. 13. Use interventions that recognize the needs and strengths present in rural settings. 14. Coordinate interventions with social workers, related professions, leaders and citizens in rural areas in order to enhance services and programs for rural clients. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (COURSE OBJECTIVES) Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: Upon Completion of this Achievement of Course Linkage of Goals and Course student should be Objectives: Program Objectives to able to: Course Outcomes 1. Understand current 1. Critical Analyses public welfare structures in 2. Paper PO1, PO5 lights of the historic 3. Class Discussions development of social welfare policies and programs. 2. Understand how social policies influence social work practice methods. 1. Critical Analyses 2. Paper 3. Class Discussions PO1, PO5, PO6 (B6), PO12 3. Discuss roles played by values and belief systems in influencing the enactment of social welfare policies and programs. 1. Critical Analyses 2. Examinations 3. Paper 4. Class Discussions 4. Identify and describe 1. Paper, G2 PO1, PO2, PO5, PO8
different theoretical perspectives related to welfare. 5. Discuss the similarity between social welfare and public welfare 6. Identify different political ideologies and their influence on existing social policies 7. Articulate the relationship between social problems and social policy 8. Discuss the differences between eligibility and entitlement programs 9. Identify different types of welfare benefits and their methods of distribution 10. Discuss how national and state welfare policies influence agency policies. 2. Examination 3. Class Discussions 1. Critical Analyses 2. Class Discussions 1. Critical Analyses 2. Class Discussions 3. Paper 1. Class Discussions 2. Paper 3. Examinations 1. Class Discussions 2. Examinations 1. Class Discussions 2. Examinations 1. Class Discussions 2. Examinations 3. Paper TEXTBOOKS: PO1, PO5, PO8 PO1, PO5, PO8 PO1, PO5, PO8 PO1, PO5, PO8 PO1, PO5 PO1, PO5 PO1, PO5, PO8 Day, P. J. A New History of Social Welfare. (2009) 6th edition Oxford University Press. Axxin, June and Stern, Mark J. (7 th edition) SocialWelfare: A History of the American Response to Need. Boston: Allyn and Bacon Class attendance policy: In order for the class to discuss the readings, it is essential for students to read assigned material before coming to class, to attend class regularly, and to participate in class discussion. Students are responsible for all material covered in class and assigned in the syllabus, whether or not they have attended class. Students are expected to attend all classes. At the beginning of the semester each student is awarded 100 points for attendance. Each time a student misses a class they will lose 10 points for attendance. Each time a student comes late or leaves early he/she will lose 5 points. Cheating and plagiarism policy: Students caught cheating on a test or class assignment, or plagiarizing another s work will be subject to dismissal from the class with a failing grade and/or dismissal from the BSW Program. Make-up examination policy: It is the responsibility of the student to request to make up an examination within one week following the examination. The discretion rests with
the class instructor as to whether a student may take a test he or she missed. The decision will be based upon the reason the student missed the test. CLASS ASSIGNMENTS: Students will read local newspapers, as well as the New York Times and the Washington Post. The editorial pages are excellent sources for the ideological and values perspectives on social policy issues. The letters to the editors sections provide the viewpoints of different population cohorts on policy debates. Students will write a critical analysis examining the topic of, Why People Don t Vote in Their Own Best Interests. The paper should be submitted electronically by 11 AM, November 11, 2012. Each student will present their paper in class beginning Monday November 12, 2012. A prize will be given to the top three presentations presenting the most in dept analysis of the topic. ( Objectives 3, 4, 6 ) Class Attendance/Discussion Students are expected to read all assignments and to critically discuss policy issues (historic and current) in class. They are expected to tie human behavior issues to policies, and to connect social welfare policies/programs to specific practice models in social work. They must also discuss the different types of policies and programs (welfare, social welfare, public welfare) Students will relate policy decisions to issues of populations at risk and social justice. ( Objectives 1, 4, 5, 7 ) TEACHING/LEARNING STRATEGIES Classroom lectures will be used to introduce new knowledge/skills and as a springboard for class discussions. Students will also be expected to access policy databases and to use oral/written communication skills in discussing policy issues. GRADING: Grading for this course will be based upon the following: Critical Analysis of Voting Paper In Class PP Presentation of Paper: Four Exams Attendance Total Points for Class 100 points 100 points 400 points 100 points 700 points Grading Scale 700 630 points = A 629 560 points = B 559 490 points = C 489 420 points = D 419 < points = F
CLASS SCHEDULE: Week 1 8/20/12 Week 2 8/27/12 Week 3 9/5/12 Week 4 9/10/12 Week 5 9/17/12 Week 6 9/24/12 Week 7 10/1/12 Course Overview Values in Social Welfare American Values Issues of Discrimination Chapter 1, text The Institution of Social Welfare: An Overview The Meaning of Social Institution The Residual P:erspective The Institutional Perspective Newer Perspectives The Scope of Social Welfare The Profession of Social Work Chapter 2, text The Beginnings of Social Welfare Prehistory and Social Welfare to 6000 BCE The Beginning of History: 6000 1200 BCE Moving in the Iron Age 1200 400 BCE Greece, Christianity and the Roman Empire Chapter 3, text Exam 1, Chapters 1 & 2 Feudalism and the Welfare State The Dark and Middle Ages The Dissolution of Feudalism The Protestant Reformation The Tudor Period The Industrial Revolution and the Emergence of Capitalism Chapter 4, Text Social Welfare Moves to the Americas The Indigenous Peoples of America The European Invasion of North America Slavery in America The New Nation and its Constitution Chapter 5, text America to the Civil War Employment and Unionization Private Philanthropy Social Treatment in the 1800 s Nonwhite minorities The Woman s Movement Chapter 6, text Exam 2, Chapters 3, 4 & 5 The American Welfare System Begins The Civil War: A New Nation Emerges The Freedman s Bureau and Services to Veterans
Week 8 10/8/12 Week 9 10/15/12 Week 10 10/22/12 Week 11 10/29/12 Week 12 11/5/12 Week 13 11/12/12 Week 14 11/19/12 Emerging Philosophies and Social Welfare Chapter 7, text The Progressive Era Immigration Acts Oppression of African Americans and Native Americans Labor and Unions Social Welfare in the Progressive Era The Professionalization of Social Work Chapter 8, text Midterm The Great Depression Social Insurance in the US Public Assistance of the SSA Title V WW II The Resurgence of Social Work Chapter 9, text Exam 3, Chapters 6, 7, 8 Civil and Welfare Rights in the New Reform Era The State of the Nation Under Eisenhower Social Programs in the 1950 s Civil Rights Before Kennedy Johnson and the Great Society Chapter 10, text The Return to the Past A Retreat from the Welfare State Social Programs in the 70 s Civil Rights in the 70 s Tightening the Reins Chapter 11, text The Reactionary Vision Reaganomics: The Conservative Political Economy The New Federalism Civil Rights Under Regan and Bush Chapter 12, text Paper Assignment Due Noon 11/11 @ 11 The Decline of Social Responsibility Clinton and the Republican Congress Welfare as we Know It Health Care in America AA and Civil Rights Welfare for the Wealthy and Corporate Welfare Chapter 13, text Exam 4, Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Fall Break
Week 15 11/26/12 Week 16 12/3/12 Spiraling Down to Welfare Past The Conservative Economy & Poverty Faith Based Initiatives Education Our Ism-Ridden Society Chapter 14, text Finals Week
References Abramovitz, M (2008). Political Ideology and Social Welfare. In The Encyclopedia of Social Work. (20 th Edition) Oxford University Press. 368-374 Barusch, A.S. (2002) Foundations of Social Policy: Social Justice, Public Programs, and the Social Work Profession. Itasca, Il: F.E. Peacock Publishers, Inc. Basic Outline of TANF Program (2000) in Mink, G. & Solinger, R. Welfare: A Documentary History of U.S. Policy and Politics. New York: New York University Press. 716 724 Bell, H. (2005) Caseworker s assessment of welfare reform: report from the front lines. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 12 (2/3)243-259. Berkowitz, E.D. (1991) America s Welfare State: From Roosevelt to Reagan Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press Chandler, S.K. (1999) Prising Open that Old Prejudiced Door: African-Americans, Poverty, and Social Work in the Early Twentieth Century. In The Professionalization Of Poverty: Social Work and the Poor in the Twentieth Century. G.R. Lowe & N.R. Reid (eds) New York: Aldine de Gruyter 105-120 Cloward, R.A. & Piven, F.F. (1966) The Weight of the Poor: A Strategy to End Poverty. in Welfare: A Documentary History of U.S. Policy and Politics. New York: New York University Press. 249-259 Coll, B. (1969) Perspectives in Public Welfare: A History. U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Social and Rehabilitation Service, Office of Research, Demonstrations, and Training, Intramural Research Division. Contract with America, The (1994) in Welfare: A Documentary History of U.S. Policy and Politics. New York: New York University Press. 587 589 Courtney, M.E., Dworsky, A. Piliavin, I. Zinn, A. (2005) Involvement of TANF Applicant Families with Child Welfare Services. Social Service Review 79, 1, Dolgoff, R. and Feldstein, D. (2007). Understanding Social Welfare: A Search for Social Justice. (7 th Edition) Boston: Allyn and Bacon Ehrenreich, J.H. (1985) The Altruistic Imagination: A History of Social Work and Social Policy in the United States. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press Epstein, W.M. (2004) Cleavage in American Attitudes toward Social Welfare. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, XXXI, 4, 177-201
Figueira-McDonough, J. (2007) The Welfare State and Social Work: Pursuing Social Justice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Iatridis, D.S. (2008) Policy Practice. In The Encyclopedia of Social Work (20 th Edition) 362-368 Jansson, B.S. (2001). The Reluctant Welfare State. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Thompson. Karger, H.J. & Stoesz,. D. (1998) American Social Welfare Policy: A Pluralist Approach. New York: Addison Wesley Longman Katz, M.B. (1996) In The Shadow of the Poorhouse: A Social History of Welfare in America. New York: Basic Books Kirst-Ashman, K.K. (2003) Social Work and Social Welfare: Critical Thinking Perspectives. Pacific Grove: Thompson, Brooks-Cole. LAWS Governing or Affecting the Department of Public Welfare State of Mississippi. Mississippi State Department of Public Welfare (1958) Lind, A. (2004) Legislating the Family: Heterosexist Bias in Social Welfare Policy Frameworks. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare. XXXI, 4, 21-35 Lynn, L.E., Jr. (2002) Social Services and the State Appropriation of Private Charity. Social Service Review, 1, 59-82 Moynihan, D.P. (1996) Miles to Go: A Personal History of Social Policy. Cambridge: MA. Harvard University Press Piven, F.F. & Cloward, R.A. (1993) Regulating the Poor: The Functions of Public Welfare. New York: Vintage Books Samantrai, K. (2004). Culturally Competent Public Child Welfare Practice. Pacific Grove, CA: Thompson, Brooks-Cole. Segal, E.A. & Bruzuzy, S. (1998). Social Welfare Policy, Programs, and Practice. Itasca, IL: F.E. Peacock Publishers. Segal, E.A. (2007). Social Welfare Policy and Social Programs: A Values Perspective. Belmont, CA: Thompson, Brooks-Cole. Shalala, D. (1994) Hearings on the Work and Responsibility Act. In Mink, G. & Solinger, R. Welfare: A Documentary History of U.S. Policy and Politics. New York, New York University Press 578 586. Skocpol, T. (1992). Protecting Soldiers and Mothers: The Political Origins of Social Policy in the United States. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.
Skocpol, T. (1995) Social Policy in the United States: Future Possibilities in Historical Perspective. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press Stadum, B. (1999) The Uneasy Marriage of Social Work and Public Relief, 1870 1940. In The Professionalization of Poverty: Social Work and the Poor in the Twentieth Century. G.R. Lowe & P.N. Reid (eds) New York: Aldine de Gruyter 29 50. Stoesz, D. (1999). Ideological Nostalgia, Intellectual Narcosis. In Professionalization of Poverty: Social Work and the Poor in the Twentieth Century. G.R. Lowe & P.N. Reid (eds) New York: Aldine de Gruyter 141 160. Tillmon, J. (1972 Welfare is a Women s Issue. in Mink, G & Solinger, R (2003) Welfare: A Documentary History of U.S. Policy and Politics. New York: New York University Press. 373-379 Venturini, V.J. (2005) The New Deal (United States). In Encyclopedia of Social Welfare History in North America. J.M Herrick & P.H. Stuart (eds) Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications 259 262 Wells, B. & Zinn, M.B. (2004) The Benefits of Marriage Reconsidered. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare XXXI, 4, 59-80