Lecture, two and one half hours. Overview of key areas of social welfare policy. Roots of American social welfare policy and how they have given rise to today's social policy structure. Path of social welfare policy development, birth of profession of social work and how it has paralleled major social policy issues from early colonial settlements to present day. Specific events and important individuals that have influenced public policy affecting vulnerable populations, such as racial and ethnic minorities, women, children, the poor, and other diverse populations. Examination of role of social research in informing social welfare policy. Letter grading.