SWT 201: History of Social Welfare in the United States

This course provides students with an opportunity to explore and critically evaluate the historical development and change from the colonial period to today of a broad range of social welfare policies, programs, and services in the United States and the philosophical bases for the provision of various social welfare services to persons throughout the life course. Major consideration is given to the development of social welfare programs and services within a social, cultural, political, and economic context, with a particular attention to influential social values in the United States. Students will be able to describe how social welfare and the field of social work are linked.