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Course Descriptions

SWK 200 Introduction to Social Welfare - 3 hrs.  This course provides a comprehensive examination of the history of social welfare as a social institution in the United States. It covers the economic and political forces that have shaped policy development and the delivery of social services using primary source documents that provide a clearer picture of historical periods. The course integrates information on poverty, inequality, race and gender issues - important issues for today's social work students. The course examines societal views about helping people, the resources that are allocated to helping efforts, the way help is provided and to whom, and the major helping programs through which help is delivered. The linkages among social problems, social values, and social institutions are examined. Prerequisite: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101 AND HED 101. (Offered fall and spring)
SWK 201 Introduction to Social Work - 3 hrs.  The Introduction to Social Work course is a practice course that introduces Social Work as a profession. It traces the origin and development of the profession; defines and illustrates the problems of social functioning; describes social work services in various settings and presents ethics and values appropriate for practice. The Generalist problem-solving approach is introduced in this course. Students will learn problem-solving generalist helping methodologies for the development of practice skills.
This course will provide an analytical and historical perspective regarding practice skills for use in service provision. Students will be provided knowledge regarding clientele and social work settings for enhanced delivery of social services. This course will discuss ethics and values for professional practice. Students will learn how to utilize the generalist framework for entry-level volunteer practice application. Additionally, content on domestic and international social work will be discussed. Course is designed for second semester Sophomores who have completed 34 credit hours before taking in the course, and plan to major in Social Work. Students are required to provide 50 hours of volunteer service in a social service agency. Prerequisite: 31 credit hours, ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 101 & 102, HIS 101 & 102, PHY 101& Lab, FRE or SPA 101 and BIO 101 & L. (Offered fall and spring)
SWK 205 Gerontology - Aging and Problems of the Aged - 3 hrs.  This course is designed to address major sociological, psychological, and physical aspects of the aging process. An overview of special problems of minority, ethnic, women and rural elderly will be explored. Other major content areas will include aging American society, health, mental health, service delivery system, and changes in role and status with advancing age. Research and policy issues will also be discussed. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, and BIO 101 & Lab, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or higher, ENG 204, PHL 201, SWK 301, SOC 201 and ECO 200. (Offered fall)
SWK 301 Human Behavior and Social Environment I - 3 hrs.  This is the first of two Human Behavior and Social Environment courses offered in the Undergraduate Social Work Program. This course focuses on human behavior from reproduction to adolescence and is explored from an ecological and systems framework. Mezzo and macro systems and influences on human behavior are explored. Content will be organized around human development within the social environment from a macro perspective. Biological, psychological, and social systems that influence development are covered. Interactions among systems are discussed. Content on diversity by ethnic background, class, age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, family structure, geographic area and cultures are studied for their effects in shaping and determining human behavior. Content about values and ethical issues are included to help students develop the ability to empathize with people in situations different than their own and to help them understand the need for change in the impinging environment. The negative impact of social and economic injustice upon development, behavior and the acquisition of resources to meet basic human needs are explored. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, BIO 101 & Lab, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201 and FRE 102 or SPA 102. (Offered spring)
SWK 302 Human Behavior and Social Environment II - 3 hrs.  This is the second of two Human Behavior and the Social Environment courses offered in the Undergraduate Social Work Program. This course focuses on human behavior from middle adulthood to later adulthood and is explored from an ecological and systems framework. Mezzo, and macro systems and influences on human behavior are explored. Content will be organized around human development within the social environment from a macro perspective. The course focuses on individual functioning within systems of various sizes (including families, groups, organizations, and communities). Biological, psychological, and social systems that influence development are covered. Interactions among systems are discussed. Content on diversity by ethnic background, class, age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, family structure, geographic area and culture are studied for their effects in shaping and determining human behavior. Special emphasis is placed on women, oppressed groups and impoverished populations. Content about values and ethical issues are included to develop in students the ability to empathize with people in situations different than their own and to help them understand the need for change in the impinging environment. The negative impact of social and economic injustice upon development, behavior and the acquisition of resources to meet basic human needs are explored. Knowledge of human behavior is essential to the utilization of effective intervention strategies, such as problem-solving and strengths perspectives. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, BIO 101 & L, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or  higher, ENG 204, PHL 201, SWK 301, SOC 201 and ECO 200. (Offered fall)
SWK 303 Poverty and Deprivation - 3 hrs. This course is designed to allow us look at the structure and process within social life that contribute to the development of a disadvantaged, underprivileged class in society. It is intended to explain the causes of inequality and poverty, and to examine policy impacts on the alleviation of both. This course will have a lecture discussion format. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, BIO 101 & L, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or higher, ENG 204, PHL 201, SWK 301, SOC 201, ECO 200, ENG 205, SWK 306, SWK 205 or SWK 311, SWK 302, SWK 304, PSC 201 or PSC 205 or PSC 206, ENG 304, PSY 301, SWK 305, SWK 309, SOC 210. (Offered spring)
SWK 304 Diverse Populations - 3 hrs.  This course examines issues related to value systems of diverse populations. It focuses on ethnic minority groups and alternative lifestyles. The focus will be on value systems as well as variables related to age, gender, lifestyle, religion, social class, geography and developmental stage of life. Stratification and inequality patterns, success, goals, and theoretical perspectives are discussed. This course will provide students with knowledge of diverse lifestyles so that they may be effective in serving the needs of diverse populations in generalist social work practice.
A variety of terms have been used in referring to diverse populations. For this class we will define a diverse population as any subgroup of a reference population that is distinguished by a set of beliefs, attitudes, abilities, behaviors, values or other attributes, which distinguish this group from other groups in the population. While many variables could have contributed to diversity, the variables listed below have been identified often as those which have caused subgroups to differ from the dominant culture: gender/sex role, geographical identity, language, national identity, race/ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status/social class, age group, disability, level of education, marital status, occupation, and sexual orientation. Prerequisites: SWK 200, ORI 101, ENG 101 & 102, HIS 101 & 102, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, FRE or SPA 101 and BIO 101& Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or  higher, ENG 204, PHL 201, SWK 301, SOC 201 and ECO 200 (Offered fall and summer)
SWK 305 Rural Human Services - 3 hrs.  This course is designed to provide content for understanding service delivery to at-risk rural populations. The uniqueness of rural lifestyles and problems are explored. This course explores cultural issues, values and problems that are unique to rural lifestyles and how these variables impact needs and functioning of people in rural areas. The special repertoire of skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values that are necessary for practice with rural populations are included.
The course integrates new asset-building theoretical models and strategies for rural social work practice, such as asset-mapping, asset-based community development, and Individual Development Accounts. The course covers the globalization of rural social work and addresses current issues such as immigration, welfare reform, and faith-based organizations. Discussion, activities and assignments will facilitate critical thinking for the practical application of course content.
Assigned readings, research papers, and on-line research assignments will be utilized with emphasis on understanding effective service delivery to rural and isolated populations. The characteristics of service delivery systems serving rural areas will be examined within the framework of knowledge, values, and skills required too serve rural and isolated populations. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, BIO 101 & L, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or  higher, ENG 204, PHL 201, SWK 301, SOC 201 and ECO 200. (Offered spring and fall)
SWK 306 The Art of Interviewing - 3 hrs.  This course is designed to provide knowledge for skill development in social work interviewing and recording with diverse and at risk populations in rural and urban communities. Interviewing and recording techniques that are appropriate to a variety of problems (i.e. discrimination, economic deprivation and oppression; social and economic justice issues) and social settings will be utilized, assessed and evaluated.
This course seeks to enhance the problem solving approach to social work practice using the interviewing technique. An appreciation for professional values, various social work roles (enabler, advocate, broker, mediator etc.) and ethical issues are also stressed throughout the semester through practice. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, BIO 101 & L, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or  higher, ENG 204, PHL 201, SWK 301, SOC 201 and ECO 200. (Offered spring and fall)
SWK 308 Understanding the Black Experience - 3 hrs.  This course is designed to use films and readings as a means to understand the past condition of Blacks as it relates to the contemporary condition. This course affords students an opportunity to examine Black people as presented in film. In examining various films, students will look at different variables for discussion i.e. education, communication, diversity, women, work values, ethics, parenting, religion, kinship bonds, rural/urban. Historical obstacles from a family, community and wider society perspective are discussed. Racism in the United States, the roots of which are embedded in the social, economic, and political systems is discussed. Upon completion of this course, students are expected to have a perspective of what the Black presence has been, is, and how it may become in the future, as well as in-depth view of the impact of culture and environment as they affect behavior and personality. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, BIO 101 & L, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or higher, ENG 204, PHL 201, SWK 301, SOC 201, ECO 200, ENG 205, SWK 306, SWK 205 or SWK 311, SWK 302, SWK 304, PSC 201 or PSC 205 or PSC 206, ENG 304, PSY 301, SWK 305, SWK 309, SOC 210. (Offered spring)
SWK 309 Social Work Methods (Individuals & Families) - 3 hrs.  This course is designed to prepare students for beginning generalist practice with individuals and families. Students are prepared for the beginning phase of the helping process. Listening, facilitative conditions, assertiveness, interviewing and assessment skills are developed. The problem-solving model along with general systems theory, family systems theory and ecological perspective are presented. Knowledge, ethics, values and skills required for generalist social work practice are introduced. Diversity of individuals and families are discussed. Identification of problems, data collection, assessment of information, goal setting and contracting for intervention, evaluation and termination are presented. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, BIO 101 & L, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or higher, ENG 204, PHL 201, SWK 301, SOC 201, ECO 200, ENG 205, SWK 306, SWK 205 or SWK 311, SWK 302, SWK 304 and PSC 201 or PSC 205 or PSC 206
SWK 310 Social Work Methods (Groups, Organizations and Communities)  - 3 hrs.  This course is This course is designed to prepare students for beginning generalist practice. It is designed to help students understand groups, organizations and communities and how to use social work processes to improve the functioning, services, and situations for populations in rural and urban communities. The content includes a problem-solving model used in interventions with groups, organizations and communities. Practice skills (relationship building, assertiveness) and empowerment strategies to help diverse, oppressed, vulnerable and discriminated populations, groups, organizations and communities are developed. Generalist skills for activating resources are emphasized. The use of research methodology in assessing problems and evaluating change is also emphasized. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, BIO 101 & L, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or higher, ENG 204, PHL 201, SWK 301, SOC 201, ECO 200, ENG 205, SWK 306, SWK 205 or SWK 311, SWK 302, SWK 304, PSC 201 or PSC 205 or PSC 206, ENG 304, PSY 301, SWK 305, SWK 309, SOC 210. (Offered fall)
SWK 311 Introduction to Child Welfare – 3 hrs. This course is designed to identify, analyze and assess child welfare programs, policies and services for understanding the need of services available for children. Vulnerable children (physical and sexually abused, neglected, special needs, in new families) are discussed to increase student understanding of their plight and the need for effective interventions, prevention and policy strategies. Understanding human diversities and the social environment in rural and urban communities are examined in this class. Additionally, diverse value systems related to parenting, discipline, child abuse and neglect will be examined. Current child welfare issues are studied for basic understanding of at risk populations, economic conditions, social justice and cultural factors. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, BIO 101 & L, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or higher, ENG 204, PHL 201, SWK 301, SOC 201 and ECO 200. (Offered spring)
SWK 403 Social Welfare Policies and Services - 3 hrs.  This course is designed to utilize research to interpret legislation and policies as a means of improving, changing and developing required services in recognition of problems and issues inherent in the social system; provide knowledge and skills regarding social policy, research, social legislation, policy formulation and analysis for enhancing delivery of social services; and rurality for insuring sequential, measurable earning.
The course will utilize historical perspectives to provide a comprehensive overview of the social, political, and economic forces that shape social welfare policy today. Content will address the political aspects of policymaking and cover major social welfare programs such as income maintenance, nutrition, child welfare, day care, housing, education and health care. A framework for social welfare policy analysis will be presented and provide students with hands-on experience as policy analysts. Online resources will complement the text. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101,HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, BIO 101 & L, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or higher, ENG 204, PHL 201, SWK 301, SOC 201 and ECO 200, ENG 205, SWK 306, SWK 205 or SWK 311, SWK 302, SWK 304, PSC 201 or PSC 205 or PSC 206, ENG 304, PSY 301, SWK 305, SWK 309, SOC 210. (Offered fall and spring)
SWK 407 Field Instruction - 8 hrs.  An important part of Social Work education is the practicum experience. While classroom learning focuses upon knowledge and theory, it is the practicum which provides the student with “hands on” experience, integrating social work theory with practice within a context of ethical principles and an ecological perspective. It consists of a singular academic semester designed to provide students with opportunities to develop skills in generalist social work practice. This is to be accomplished by providing educationally directed experiences in agencies which offer social services to diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities in Northern Alabama. The ultimate goal of the practicum is to educate the entry level generalist social workers through making them aware of what is involved in a practice situation. The generalist social worker will learn why a particular intervention is selected; is prepared to determine how the necessary helping techniques should be performed; can evaluate practice outcomes; can articulate the mission and goals of the social work profession along with those of the practicum agency. The overall goal of the singular semester field instruction is accomplished through the application of the Zastrow problem-solving approach and/or LeCroy Intensive Case Analysis Process for Generalist Practice with Diverse Populations in Alabama.
This course will provide a planned, structured learning experience, in a pre- selected agency, in which students may utilize multiple methods in social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities from urban and rural settings in Northern Alabama. The utilization of social work knowledge, skills and values in data collection, assessment, intervention, evaluation, engagement, and termination for effective practice and delivery of services to oppressed and impoverished populations in urban and rural settings. Additionally, knowledge and theories will be utilized and analyzed relative to diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities for use in generalist practice. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, BIO 101 & L, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or higher, ENG 204, PHL 201, SWK 301, SOC 201, ECO 200, ENG 205, SWK 306, SWK 205 or SWK 311, SWK 302, SWK 304, PSC 201 or PSC 205 or PSC 206, ENG 304, PSY 301, SWK 305, SWK 309, SOC 210, SWK 310, SWK 403, SWK 410, SWK 307 or SWK 303 or SWK 311 and/or SWK 205. (Offered spring and fall)
SWK 407L Field Instruction Seminar – 3 hrs. A three-hour seminar is held each week.  The seminar permits field instruction students in different field settings to share and benefit from their numerous and varied learning experiences including planned field trips.  The seminar is also held to evaluate, discuss, and interpret the student's involvement in the field. Discussion in class will provide an opportunity for increased knowledge, assessment of values, and development of skills. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, BIO101 & L, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or higher, ENG 204, PHL 201, SWK 301, SOC 201,ECO 200, ENG 205, SWK 306, SWK 205 or SWK 311, SWK 302, SWK 304, PSC 201 or PSC 205 or PSC 206, ENG 304, PSY 301, SWK 305, SWK 309, SOC 210, SWK 310, SWK 403, SWK 410, SWK 307 or SWK 303 or SWK 311 and/or SWK 205. (Offered spring and fall)
SWK 410 Social Work Research Methods – 3 hrs.  This course is the first of two research courses for Social Work students at Alabama A&M University. SWK 410 is designed to present the basic principles of social science research, which is based on the scientific method, and to demonstrate how this knowledge can be used in generalist social work practice. The instructor will utilize an analytical approach for knowledge building in social work and for professional practice. Students will be taught how to appraise past research (a consumer role), how to produce new knowledge (a producer role), and how to use research to evaluate their own practice.
This course prepares students to carry out the research design (i.e., identify an instrument to achieve your purpose, administer the instrument, collect data, analyze data, interpret results and discuss implications) in the SWK 415 Senior Seminar Research Course. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101, HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, BIO101 & L, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or higher, ENG 204, PHL 201,SWK 301, SOC 201, ECO 200, ENG 205, SWK 306, SWK 205 or SWK 311, SWK 302, SWK 304, PSC 201 or PSC 205 or PSC 206, ENG 304, PSY 301, SWK 305, SWK 309 and SOC 210. (Offered fall)
SWK 415 Senior Seminar in Research - 2 hrs.  This is the second course in the research sequence. This course is designed to help students execute the research process and to improve their capacity and skills at reading and using research to solve problems, engage in effective intervention activities, and become knowledgeable consumers of facts. It also provides an opportunity for students to obtain skills in single subject designs; a practical, relevant design for generalist social work practice evaluation. Prerequisites: ORI 101, ENG 101, HIS 101, PHY 101 & Lab, MUS 101 or ART 101 AND HED 101, SWK 200, ENG 102, HIS 102, FRE or SPA 101, BIO 101 & L, BIO 102 & Lab, ENG 203, PSY 201, SWK 201, FRE 102 or SPA 102, MTH 110 or higher, ENG 204, PHL 201, SWK 301, SOC 201, ECO 200, ENG 205, SWK 306, SWK 205 or SWK 311, SWK 302, SWK 304, PSC 201 or PSC 205 or PSC 206, ENG 304, PSY 301, SWK 305, SWK 309, SOC 210, SWK 310, SWK 403, SWK 410, SWK 307 or SWK 303 or SWK 311 and/or SWK 205. (Offered spring)

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