This course provides an overview of the events that have influenced the provision of social services to people in the United States. The course considers the historical, political, economic, and cultural contexts in which social work and social welfare policy have evolved. Important historical events include: The Elizabethan Poor Laws, the Progressive Era, the Great Depression, New Deal, Social Security Act, Civil Rights Movement, War on Poverty, the Reagan Revolution, and the policies of the Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations. The course considers the unique characteristics of the welfare system in the United States and compares it to systems in other countries. It also identifies current dilemmas facing the welfare state and efforts to further decrease the role of the federal government in social welfare programs. Note: (1) Open to majors and minors. (2) This course can be used to satisfy the university Core American Culture (AC) requirement. Although it may be usable towards graduation as a major requirement or university elective, it cannot be used to satisfy any of the university GenEd requirements. See your advisor for further information.