CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Methodology and frameworks for analyzing social policy and understanding institutional
discrimination, particularly related to populations-at-risk and other disenfranchised groups. Political and organizational processes to influence policy development.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course focuses on the analysis of social policy within the political, economic, societal values and ethnic minority perspectives, the adequacy of current policies of current policies, services and legislation having impact on people of color, women,
gays, lesbians, the disenfranchised and other marginalized groups. The student will apply a policy analysis framework to a particular social problem that has legislation designed to
alleviate or ameliorate that problem.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
A. Demonstrate the ability to access public laws and regulations.
B. Analyze within political, economic, societal values and ethnic minority perspectives,
the adequacy of current policies, services and legislation having impact on people of
color, women, gays, lesbians, the disenfranchised and other marginalized groups.
C. Through a written assignment, apply social work values and ethics to the analysis of a
particular law.
D. Explain the process of policy formulation from problem identification through
legislative and administrative action.
E. Demonstrate, through a final paper, the ability to analyze a Public Law passed by
Congress with respect to its implementation in our local community.
LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Class sessions will be a combination of lecture, discussion, student presentations, and films. Students will be asked to choose a specific social problem, issue or concern in which they are interested. Within the area of this social issue they will be asked to focus on a particular problem and apply a policy analysis framework. Students are expected to visit a local agency implementing the public law they choose.
GRADING AND EVALUATION (100 points total)
The student's final grade for this course will be based on total of 100 points:
Class Participation: Each student is expected to attend all classes. Students
are expected to share ideas, listen to the ideas of others and participate in class
discussions.
50 points Twelve quizzes will occur over the semester with the top TEN @ 5 points each counting
toward your grade. The quizzes will cover the assigned readings and content presented in class.
5 points Write a letter or send e-mail to a "decision maker" regarding your support
or opposition to a social policy under consideration. A copy of this letter
will be Due: 2/18/02. Details regarding this assignment will be discussed in
class.
10 points Take-home mid-term: The Take-home Exam will be passed out on
2/25/02 Due: 3/11/02:Oral presentation in class will be included as part of the Exam.
5 points Agency Funding Diagram. Due: 4/1/02. Details presented in class.
5 points Attend a public hearing or government meeting. Community television
coverage may be appropriate. Submit a 1-2 page paper answering the
following questions: What issues were discussed? Who led the meeting?
Did you observe community or citizen involvement? What did you learn by
attending? Due: 4/15/02
25 points Final paper: Due: 5/16/02
GRADING SYSTEM: A+ 98-100; A 93-97; A- 90-92; B+ 87-89; B 83-86; B- 80-82;
C+ 77-79; C 73-76; C- 70-72; D+ 67-69; D 63-66; D- 60-62;
F 0-59.
The final paper should be a minimum of fifteen pages, excluding citations and appendixes. This is to be a semester project of a significant analysis of an important social problem. Your method of analysis needs to be clearly stated. Also, it is important
for you to make clear any recommendations and base these on sound principles of providing social justice for all. Citations and references most follow the APA format.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
Phillip R. Popple & Leslie Leighninger, THE POLICY-BASED PROFESSION (Boston:
Allyn & Bacon, 2001).
SPECIAL NOTE
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have
emergency medical information to share with me or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please see me. If you have special needs let me know before or after class or email or phone me for an appointment. I am willing to make accommodations for your specific needs for you to have a successful course experience
SUGGESTED OUTLINE FOR YOUR FINAL PAPER
I. Problem
A. Problem definition
B. Nature and scope of problem
C. Demographic characteristics of the target population
D. Theories associated with the cause of the problem
II. Intervention
A. A brief description of the law
B. Goals and Objectives of the legislation
C. Methodology
D. Theory/is associated with the intervention
III Analysis
A. Congruency
B. Adequacy
C. Political implications
D. Economic implications
E. Value implications
F. Ethnic/racial implications
Other frameworks for policy analysis my be appropriate. Be clear and present whatever
framework you use.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Week 1: 1/28/02 Introduction and overview of course
Week 2: 2/4/02 Basic Constitutional Principles
An Overview of the Law and the Legal System
Week 3: 2/11/02 The Policy-Based Profession
Defining Social Welfare Policy
Readings: Popple & Leighninger, Chapter 1, 2
Week 4: 2/18/02 Social Welfare Policy Analysis: Basic Concepts
Policy Analysis form a Historical Perspective
Readings: Popple & Leighninger, Chapter 3, 4
Week 5: 2/25/02 Social/Economic Analysis
Politics and Social Welfare Policy
Readings: Popple & Leighninger, Chapter 5, 6
TAKE-HOME EXAM PASSED OUT
Week 6: 3/4/02 No class: Class time will be used for research for your take home exam. I will be available in my office during the regular class time if you want to discuss your research.
Week 7: 3/11/02 TAKE-HOME EXAM DUE
In class Students will present their problem/social issue definition
and the Law dealing with the intervention for that problem.
Week 8: 3/18/02 Student presentations continue.
SPRING RECESS: 3/25-3/30
Week 9: 4/1/02 Welfare Reform: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
Child Welfare: Family Preservation Policy
Readings: Popple & Leighninger, Chapter 7, 11
Week 10: 4/8/02 Aging: Social Security as an Entitlement.
Readings: Popple & Leighninger, Chapter 8
Week 11: 4/15/02 Mental Health: Managed Care
Readings: Popple & Leighninger, Chapter 9
Week 12: 4/22/02 Substance Abuse Policy
Readings: Popple & Leighninger, Chapter 10
.
Week 13: 4/29/02 Presentation of Policy Analysis
Week 14: 5/6/02 Presentation of Policy Analysis
Week 15: 5/13/02 Presentation of Policy Analysis
FINAL PAPER DUE: 12/16/02
