Debates about social welfare policy are among the most contentious in American politics. Although American attitudes toward the "welfare state" have softened in recent times, the American ideology that emphasizes personal responsibility and is weary of government intervention continues to challenge government programs that provide assistance to the poor, disabled, and ill. The course evaluates the applicability and effectiveness of social welfare policies such as Medicaid and Medicare, Social Security, food stamps, cash-in-aid, and low-income housing. It also examines the controversies surrounding these policies and considers how ideas like the "American Dream" and government structures like federalism shape our approach to solving social problems. Not open to new first-year students.