- Formulate practice strategies to overcome the historic biases in social welfare programs
- distinguish the values inherent in each social policy initiative
- differentiate alternative approaches to social policy problems
- Critique components of a social policy based on their effectiveness at meeting the goals stated in the initiative
- develop social welfare policy analysis and reform proposals
- - Distinguish the values inherent in each social policy initiative
- - Critique components of a social policy based on their effectiveness at meeting the goals stated in the initiative
- - Develop social welfare policy analysis and reform proposals
- - Differentiate alternative approaches to social policy problems
- - Formulate practice strategies to overcome the historic biases in social welfare programs
Social Policy for Social Services & Health Practitioners Specialization
Social Welfare Policy for Practitioners & Citizens. For health practitioners, educators, social service providers: anyone who works with people or votes
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What you will learn
Compare historical, intellectual and cross-national perspectives on the size, structure and outcomes of U.S. social policy
Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. social welfare policy and its economic, social, and political contexts, in order to be an engaged citizen
Differentiate the various levels and structures of public benefits, and the social justice impact on people receiving them
Formulate skills in social policy implementation in order to be more effective in professional practice
Skills you will gain
About this Specialization
Applied Learning Project
ALL learners will engage with the video lectures and use quizzes to confirm their understanding of U.S. social policy and their skills at navigating policy programs.
HONORS learners will read course-related articles and write a summary and critique in response to each reading. These writing assignments will prepare the HONORS learner to deliver policy-related material in their professional work. Over the sequence, HONORS learners will research a social policy issue, complete a policy analysis, and write and present a professional policy memo based on their research. These research and writing skills will not only enhance the professional capacities they bring to their job but also prepare HONORS learners for masters-level study in social policy if they wish to pursue a graduate degree.
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Hands-on Project
Every Specialization includes a hands-on project. You'll need to successfully finish the project(s) to complete the Specialization and earn your certificate. If the Specialization includes a separate course for the hands-on project, you'll need to finish each of the other courses before you can start it.
Earn a Certificate
When you finish every course and complete the hands-on project, you'll earn a Certificate that you can share with prospective employers and your professional network.

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