Class Descriptions

Analytic Methods for Social Policy Practice

SW670

Course Description

Understanding the major analytic and quantitative tools used by practitioners engaged in assessing or evaluating human service systems is an essential component of social policy practice. This course will emphasize quantitative program analysis, and students will be asked to analyze an area related to a particular social problem. Students will acquire beginning level skills in the use of a wide variety of analytic and quantitative tools, while gaining in-depth skill in a more limited number of tools and techniques. Competence in these skill areas will be gained by completing a major analysis of a social problem area relevant to social welfare policy.

The underlying theme of this course will be how to increase the rationality of the choice process when applied to complex and rapidly changing human service systems. In short, scientific analysis opposed to political analysis or advocacy is emphasized.

Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate beginning level competence in the use of the major analytical tools that are most commonly used to assess and evaluate complex systems of services. (Practice Behaviors 10.b.SPE, 10.d.SPE)
2. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of two analytical tools and their application in the human services field. (Practice Behaviors 3.SPE, 6.SPE, 10.c.SPE)
3. Identify the limitations of rational analysis and be able to determine when rational choice processes are desirable and feasible to use. (Practice Behaviors 9.SPE, 10.c.SPE)
4. Discuss typical ethical concerns related to the use of analytic methods in social policy practice. (Practice Behaviors 2.SPE, 10.a.SPE)
5. Describe ways in which diversity dimensions such as "ability, age, class, color, culture, ethnicity, family structure, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), marital status, national origin, race, religion or spirituality, sex, and sexual orientation, as well community of residence" have an effect on the analytical tools that are most commonly used to assess and evaluate complex systems of services. (Practice Behaviors 4.SPE, 5.SPE)

Design

Instructors may use lecture and discussion with students working in teams on contemporary issues. In addition, instructors may include participatory discussion, written assignments and experiential exercises related to course materials.