Class Descriptions

Comparative Cross National Analyses of Social Service Systems

SW823

Course Description

This course focuses on exploring and applying a structure for the comparative cross-national
study of social services. It is intended to provide a common basis for developing comparisons
and providing students with the opportunity to explore how a particular area of social services
has developed and been implemented in a country of their choosing. The course will start with
an exploration of the parameters for understanding and comparing national approaches to social
services. These parameters include, but are not limited to, the resources/wealth of a country,
the role of national/local government, cross-national influences, and the relevant religious and
societal values in a country. In developing comparative perspectives on the realities of social
service provision, emphasis will be placed on understanding challenges of implementation
and gaps between policies and practice. Examples of social service areas that students will
be encouraged to pursue include income security, protecting vulnerable populations, criminal
justice, child care/adoption, health care, disability policy, and employment/labor rights.