Introduction to qualitative research and its role in the development of social work knowledge. Covers material on paradigms underlying qualitative inquiry, basic ideas, and major methods. The course fosters students' ability to conduct qualitative research through gathering and analyzing data. Comparative analysis of dimensions of various social welfare systems including social security, social services, and health care policy. Covers methodology of comparative analysis with attention to governmental involvement in social policy, the nature of public and private sector relations, and the assessment of social policy regarding the analytical ideas of adequacy, equity, inclusiveness, comprehensiveness, effectiveness, and efficiency.
Students learn teaching strategies and classroom methodologies.
Students develop and deliver sample lectures that include use of audiovisual materials. Students learn to write a report interpreting findings from the research. To monitor content and quality, faculty members submit a detailed course outline to the program director before the course is added to the semester course schedule. Students select topics of professional interest and study with a graduate faculty member who has competence in the subject. Study plan must include provision for tutorial conferences and a formal paper or report.