MakingtheClaim_IntrotoPolicyAnalysis_2022.pptxMaking the Claim: Introduction to Policy Analysis
SOW:5235 | UCF School of Social Work Online MSW
Course Developer: Tameca N. Harris-Jackson, PhD, LCSW, CSE, CIMHP
Presentation Objectives
By the conclusion of this presentation, students should be able to:
Identify the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in the claims-making/initial policy analysis process
Understand the requirements for successful completion of the assignments provided during this module
What Does Claims-Making Mean?
Think about it – to make a claim (or an assertion) about something, you have to:
Know what the issue is
Understand the issue
Understand what the arguments are for and against the issue
Take a position on the issue, and then
Articulate your rationale for your position*
*Note: As a professional, the articulation of this issue must be rooted in facts (while you also hope to sway)
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
Example: Impact of Land Loss to Indigenous Cultures
The Issue: Persons indigenous to the land of what is now known as the United States lost almost 99% of the land they initially occupied.
Understand/Background: The Dawes Act (1887) was a U.S. policy largely responsible for stripping away millions of acres of land. The impact is felt today with continued cultural marginalization, poverty, environmental devastation, etc.
Arguments: For = “Natives” were uncivilized; must assimilate or be eradicated. Against = Harm/treatment to original occupants set poor future precedence for tx of humanity and environment.
Position: Against Dawes Act (Claim: Policies such as the Dawes Act was a historical act of genocide, of which the devastating results remain today. As a nation, reparation is necessary to aid with current community support and forward healing)
Rationale: “Indian Removal” policies have resulted in significant and perpetual health and economic disparities for Indigenous Communities/Native Americans/Alaska Native Peoples …. (see resources at end of presentation)
Your Turn @ Claims-Making
Week 2 Assignment 1
Identify a U.S. (state or federal) bill or policy that has been proposed or passed in the past two (2) years. The purpose of the bill or policy must primarily address one of the following:
Economics (e.g., stimulus payments; student loans; SW license portability), Healthcare (e.g., access to healthcare; abortion; sexuality education), Racial/Ethnic Justice (e.g., voting rights; immigration; policing); Sexual orientation/gender identity (e.g., adoption rights; conversion therapy; workplace protections)
Complete a brief, APA-formatted intro to policy analysis/claims-making paper that includes the five (5) components of claims-making. Be sure to use the template provided in Webcourses as your guide.
Process It Out
Week 2 Assignment 1
In your “process it out” assignment this week, you will have an opportunity to “examine & discuss how policies impact historically & current marginalized and oppressed populations”
Review the brief (~12 minute) video on the “Indian Problem”, resources and instructions located in Webcourses
Once done, follow the instructions in Webscourses to complete the assignment
Reminder: Completing all of the assignment requirements results in a complete. Missing components results in an incomplete.
See You At The Next Presentation!
Resources
Alaska Federation of Natives: https://www.nativefederation.org/alaska-native-peoples/
National Museum of the American Indian: https://www.si.edu/object/indian-problem%3Ayt_if-BOZgWZPE
Office of Minority Health: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=3&lvlid=62
Wade, Lizzie: Native tribes have lost 99% of their land in the United States: https://www.science.org/content/article/native-tribes-have-lost-99-their-land-united-states
