SW-370: Generalist Social Work Practice IV: Policy Practice

This course is the fourth and final course in the social work practice sequence and presents the generalist practice model with emphasis on work in the social welfare policy arena. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and tools to engage in effective policy practice. The first part of the course focuses on the development of the profession of social work and its role within the social welfare system. This includes providing an awareness of problems and concepts of the policy process in the U.S., exploring the political, economic, and institutional frameworks which structure public social welfare choices. An important focus of the course is to identify and understand the impact of a wide range of social policies on social work clients and the human service delivery system within a social justice framework with specific attention given to rural, Appalachian clients and service delivery. The second part of the course focuses on the knowledge and skills related to advocacy, such as media relations, community organizing and coalition building, lobbying methods, campaign strategies, position taking, and proposal development. Prerequisite: Admission to Social Work Program. Recommended that SW 315 and SW 340 be taken prior to enrollment in this course.