WFQS 288 - Public Health and Social Welfare Policy in Modern America

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

(Same as AMST 288 and HIST 288) What is the state’s responsibility in ensuring the welfare of its citizens? How does the state define the welfare of its citizens? Who has the state deem worthy of receiving aid from the government? How has the state entangled social welfare, survelliance, and incarceration? This course investigates the history of public policy related to welfare, health, reporduction, and care in the United States in the twentieth century. It analyzes how interactions with the state are shaped by race, class, gender, and sexuality. We engage with works of historians and primary sources such as government documents, newspapers, magazines, and posters as we eplore the impact of policies surrounding labor legislation, Social Security, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, childcare, vaccinations, reproductive rights, disability, AIDS, and child welfare. We examine the impact of cultural ideals and stereotypes on the enactment of public policy. Amanda Brennan.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS