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

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

(Same as HIST 288 and WFQS 288) This course investigates the history of public policy related to welfare, health, reproduction, 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 explore the impact of policies surrounding labor legislation, Social Security, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, childcare, vaccinations, repoductive rights, disability, AIDS, and child welfare. We examine the impact of cultural ideals and stereotypes on the enactment of publilc policy. What is the state’s responsibility in ensuring the welfare of its citizens? How does the state define the welfare of its citizens? Whom has the state deemed worthy of receiving aid from the government? How has the state entangled social welfare, surveillance, and incarceration? Amanda Brennan.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS