Theory and Practice of Social Policy and Evaluation

SW570, Section 001

This course will examine the theory and practice of social policy and program evaluation as methods of strengthening social work services. Students will analyze and apply several stages and steps in the process, including problem identification, advocacy, enactment, implementation, analysis, and evaluation of social policy and programs. Emphasis will be placed on the political organization and processes of social change in the public and private sectors as well as the functions of information and evidence in decision-making. This course will review and utilize relevant social science theory and research, the major philosophical frameworks that drive policy processes, political processes at various levels of government, theories of evaluation, and techniques for evaluating policy choices and program effects. In addition, students will learn to critically assess policy and evaluation methods from social work ethical, multicultural, and social justice perspectives.