Introduction to Social Welfare Policy and Human Services

Description

This course provides an introduction to the provision of welfare in New Zealand, providing students with the opportunity to examine socio-cultural, economic, and political factors that have influenced current welfare policies, practice, and services.  The first part of the course addresses important organizing concepts of welfare, using historical and contemporary case studies to illustrate their application in practice.  In the second part, students will be introduced to policy tools and frameworks, enabling them to develop research skills and policy analysis.  Alongside the lectures, guest speakers from the service field will present studies of social policy in action.

Skilful work within human services requires policy analysts and practitioners to understand the impact of the environment on well-being, and to have the skills to make changes in that environment. Human service workers need a sound grasp of how welfare provision affects everyday lives.


Objectives:
1.   To introduce and define key concepts associated with welfare and social
      policy, using historical and contemporary case studies.
2.   To introduce 'tools' and frameworks that will enable you to develop
      research skills and critical thinking in this and other fields.
3.   To analyse contemporary research practices, social issues, and
      welfare services