Columbia University School of Social Work
 
T7143 Seminar on Policy Practice I

Overview and Rationale

T7143 and T7144 constitute a two-course sequence designed to develop knowledge and skills in issue identification, policy analysis, and advocacy. The policy practice sequence is required of, and limited to, students in the policy practice concentration, and course assignments build on students' experience in their field placements. Early in the first semester, students will identify a policy question that they will analyze during the course of the year, utilizing data from their field placements as well as other sources.

Policy practice is the work of formulating, establishing, or changing policy. It is an iterative process that involves multiple steps:

  • Identifying an issue
  • Understanding the political context
  • Getting an issue on the public agenda
  • Gathering information
  • Conducting analysis
  • Identifying one or more policy options
  • Presenting information to policy-makers to enable them to select an option
  • Getting approval for the policy
  • Implementing the policy
  • Evaluating the policy

The two policy practice courses seek to enhance students' policy practice skills and knowledge and to allow students to apply those skills and knowledge to a sustained piece of analysis on a topic of their choice. Together, the two courses cover all the above steps of the policy-making process. The fall course (T7143) focuses on issue identification and gathering information. The spring course (T7144) focuses on conducting analysis and translating the results of that analysis for policy-makers and the public.

Learning Outcomes

In this course, students will learn to . . .

  1. Identify how social problems are defined.
  2. Analyze the ethical issues and values underlying policy choices.
  3. Locate and understand the sources and elements of policies.
  4. Analyze how policies are implemented.
  5. Describe the political context and how policy change occurs.
  6. Prepare and communicate results to policymakers or the public and demonstrate the ability to practice effective policy advocacy.

Council on Social Work Education Core Competencies

This course contributes toward mastery of the following core areas of social work competency identified by the Council on Social Work Education.

Social workers . . .

  • Identify as professional social workers and conduct themselves accordingly.
  • Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
  • Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
  • Engage diversity and difference in practice.
  • Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
  • Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
  • Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being, and to deliver effective social work services.
  • Respond to contexts that shape practice.
  • Engage individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  • Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
  • Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Core Content Themes

  • Issue identification
  • Gathering information