SW
100
Hours
3
Intro Fields SW Practice

An overview of the many and varied roles in which social workers function in today's society. Reviews the historical development of the profession, its various fields of practice, the profession's code of ethics, and covers current national and local issues. Fifteen hours of volunteer work outside of class are required. Required course for social work majors and social welfare minors; open to all University students, but freshmen and sophomores preferred. Offered in the fall and spring semesters.

Prerequisite(s): This is an introductory course open to all University students. It is a required course for social work majors and social welfare minors.
Experiential Learning
SW
101
Hours
3
Orientation to Social Work

The purpose of this course, which is required for social work majors, is to orient social work majors to the School of Social Work (SSW), professional writing standards, and other basic professional skills. Students will learn about establishing an educational plan, professional etiquette, career preparation, self-care, steps in applying for admission to the professional program, campus resources, basic skills in professional writing, and basic knowledge and skills relevant to professional social work practice, including licensure, professional etiquette, and self-care.

First-Year Compass
SW
105
Hours
3
Honors Introduction to the Fields of Social Work Practice

Social Work 105 is an introductory course that presents a comprehensive overview of the profession of social work and social workers’ roles in contemporary society. This course is designed for students seeking advanced professional orientation and development in social work. This honors course is designed to provide a critical examination of the profession's values and Code of Ethics and the major fields of social work practice. Students examine the professions’s response to populations-at-risk, including people of color, women, older adults, children and adolescents, gays and lesbians, and low income populations. Each student completes a 30 clock hour service learning assignment in a social service agency. The course provides a broad base of information for further social work education and helps students decide if social work is an appropriate career for them to pursue.

Prerequisite(s): This is an introductory course open to all University Honors Program students. This course will fufill the Introduction to the Fields of Social Work Practice requirement for social work majors and for social welfare minors.
Experiential Learning, University Honors
SW
200
Hours
3
History Social Welfare US

This course provides students with an opportunity to explore and critically evaluate the historical development and change of a broad range of social welfare policies, programs, and services in the United States and the philosophical bases for the provision of various social welfare services to persons throughout the life course. Social welfare policies, programs, and services in the United States have developed, changed, and evolved dramatically throughout history, so this course explores this development and change over a major period of time, from the colonial period to today. Major consideration is given to the development of social welfare programs and services within a social, cultural, political, and economic context, with particular attention to influential social values in the United States; and, as such, students will be expected to utilize critical thinking skills, as they analyze and evaluate major issues affecting the provision of social welfare programs and services to vulnerable and oppressed population, synthesizing primary and secondary source documents to argue a point clearly. Social welfare and social work, historically, are intrinsically linked so the development of social work and its connection to a variety of social welfare programs and institutions will be discussed; however, the focus of this course is historically broad and does not delve into intricacies of social work or professional skills.

History
SW
205
Hours
3
Honors History of Social Welfare in the United States

SW 205 is open to all students in the honors college at the university and provides students with an opportunity to explore and critically evaluate the historical development and change of a broad range of social welfare policies, programs, and services in the United States and the philosophical bases for the provision of various social welfare services to persons throughout the life course. Social welfare policies, programs, and services in the United States have developed, changed, and evolved dramatically throughout history, so this course explores this development and change over a major period of time, from the colonial period to today. Major consideration is given to the development of social welfare programs and services within a social, cultural, political, and economic context, with particular attention to influential social values in the United States; and, as such, students will utilize critical thinking skills, as they analyze and evaluate major issues affecting provision of social welfare programs and services to vulnerable and oppressed populations, synthesizing primary and secondary source documents to argue a point clearly. Social welfare and social work, historically, are intrinsically linked so the development of social work and its connection to a variety of social welfare programs and institutions will be discussed; however, the focus of this course is historically broad and does not delve into intricacies of social work or professional skills.

History, University Honors
SW
206
Hours
3
Growing Old In America

This course provides students with knowledge of the field of aging with a primary focus on social gerontology. An overview is provided of the characteristics of the elderly and the biological, physiological, psychological, and social aspects of aging. Emphasis is placed on selected issues confronting the general elderly population.

Prerequisite(s): At least sophomore standing
PW: Global Engagement
SW
208
Hours
3
Juvenile Delinqency:Causes, Control, and Services

Examination of the nature and extent of delinquency. Theories of causation and the structure and function of courts are explored. Emphasis placed on prevention, control, and interventions with juvenile offenders and their families.

SW
210
Hours
3
Family & Child Welfare

Examines the current situation in services for children and families. Gives an overview of services designed to strengthen families, as well as those that provide substitute care of children when the family is unable to meet this responsibility.

SW
212
Hours
3
Death Dying Bereavement

Analysis of a variety of issues and problems presented by death, dying, and grief in American culture, with some comparison to other cultures. Examines attitudes and responses to death and the perspectives of children and adults.

Social and Behavioral Sciences
SW
220
Hours
3
Statistics for Social Work Practice

This course provides a basic introduction to the conceptual and quantitative tools used to describe and interpret data in the conduct of social work practice and research. Students will gain an understanding of statistical analysis and its role in social work research. Students will develop the skills necessary to collect data appropriate for statistical analysis, select and apply appropriate statistical tests, and integrate statistics with social work practice skills and ethical practice. The course focuses on descriptive statistics for describing the characteristics of collected data and inferential statistics for drawing inferences about relationships between variables within the data set. Students will also learn how to present data to community stakeholders so that it can inform practice and policy decisions.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 100 or MATH 110 or MATH 112 or MATH 115 or MATH 121 or MATH 125 or MATH 145 or (UA Math Placement Test Score of 310-600) or (ACT Math Subscore of 24 or higher) or (old SAT Math Subscore of 560 or higher) or (new SAT Math Subscore of 580 or higher), or departmental permission
Prerequisite(s) with concurrency: SW 100
Mathematical Science
SW
300
Hours
3
Special Topics

This course provides a thorough examination of an important topic in social work. The area under examination varies from semester to semester.

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore-,junior-, or senior-standing. Social Work major or minor or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours with permission of the BSW program chair.
Special Topics Course
SW
310
Hours
3
Professional Writing Seminar

Clear and effective communication skills using inclusive, culturally responsive, and non-oppressive language are necessary for social service delivery. This course assist students with acquiring and improving professional writing skills. Students in this class will practice writing skills necessary for serving clients in a variety of practice settings. These skills include using feedback and self-assessment to improve writing, critically analyzing source material that informs practice, drafting client-centered case documentation, and advocating for micro, mezzo and micro clients in writing.

SW
320
Hours
3
Community Engagement and Social Service Organizations

The nature, development, and experience of community engagement with human services agencies is the baseline for this course. This class is a service learning class. Service- learning has been identified as a high-impact educational practice shown to improve student retention and engagement by "giving students direct experience with issues they are studying in the curriculum and with ongoing efforts to analyze and solve problems in the community. A key element in these programs is the opportunity students have to both apply what they are learning in real-world settings and reflect in a classroom setting on their service experiences." (Kuh, G.D., 2008). Each student will volunteer for a minimum of sixty hours at their choice of human services agency settings. The student, with approval of the course instructor, will determine the location for the volunteer experience. This course has been created to provoke deeper engagement and critical thinking about the role of community engagement in social service organizations while volunteering at a local nonprofit or community agency.

SW
351
Hours
3
Anti-Oppression and Social Justice

This course examines issues related to the lived experiences of people based on age, culture, race, ethnicity, gender/gender identity/gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status/class, ability, religion/spirituality, and national origin. It is designed to introduce the student to social, economic, and political systems of power that serve to oppress communities that have been minoritized. Assignments requiring the student to demonstrate an understanding of U.S. and global perspectives are required. Assignments will allow students to demonstrate higher-level critical thinking skills in their analysis and processing of information within a cultural and societal context.

PW: Exec Systems Structures, US and Global Citizenship
SW
355
Hours
3
Honors Anti-Oppression and Social Justice

This course examines issues related to the lived experiences of people based on age, culture, race, ethnicity, gender/gender identity/gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status/class, ability, religion/spirituality, and national origin. It is designed to introduce the student to social, economic, and political systems of power that serve to oppress communities that have been minoritized. Assignments requiring the student to demonstrate an understanding of U.S. and global perspectives are required. Assignments will allow students to demonstrate higher-level critical thinking skills in their analysis and processing of information within a cultural and societal context.

Prerequisite(s): At least sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. This is course open to University Honors Program students. This course will fulfill the Anti-Oppression and Social Justice requirements for social work majors and social welfare minors.
PW: Exec Systems Structures, University Honors, US and Global Citizenship
SW
401
Hours
3
Soc Wel Policy & Services

This course enables students to develop beginning skill in the analysis of social welfare policies and programs. The course builds on the basic knowledge of the history and philosophy of social welfare programs students have acquired in the prerequisite course, SW 200 or SW 205. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.

Prerequisite(s): SW 200 or SW 205 with a grade of "C-" or better. Declared Social Work major or Social Welfare minor.
Writing
SW
405
Hours
3
Honors Social Welfare Policy and Services

This course is designed to enable the student to develop skill in the analysis of social welfare policies and programs. The course builds on the basic knowledge of the history and philosophy of social welfare programs students have acquired in the prerequisite course, SW 205. In this course, special attention is given to evidence regarding the effects of policies on persons subject to economic deprivation, discrimination, and oppression. Current policies and policy issues in Alabama and the southeast are emphasized, with a focus on social work values and human diversity. This course has the University Core Curriculum “W” designation. Writing proficiency is required for a passing grade in this course. A student who does not write with the skill normally required of an upper-division student will not earn a passing grade, no matter how well the student performs in other areas of the course.

Prerequisite(s): Completion of SW 200 or SW 205 with a grade of “C-” or better. Declared Social Work major or Social Welfare minor. Admission to the Honors College.
University Honors, Writing
SW
410
Hours
3
Human Behav Soc Envir I

This is the first course in a two-semester sequence that that uses a life course perspective as a framework for preparing students with knowledge of theories that support beginning-level generalist practice. It explores the reciprocal relationship between human behavior and social environments. This first course focuses on the development of the individual from conception through adolescence.

Prerequisite(s): Test score SWP-Pass
SW
411
Hours
3
Human Behavior and the Social Environment II

A continuation of SW 410.

Prerequisite(s): SW 410 with a C- or better.
SW
414
Hours
3
Chemical Dependency

Drug and alcohol use and abuse are deeply interwoven into the psychosocial and economic fabric of American society. This course will introduce the student to major theories of addiction as well as the physiological and psychological results of substance abuse. State and federal policies regarding control of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco will also be discussed. The effects of chemical dependency on special populations, including ethnic minorities, people of color, gays and lesbians, dually diagnosed, the elderly, and women will be reviewed.

Prerequisite(s): A student must be either junior or senior-level in good standing with the University. Permission of the instructor is necessary for any other student.
SW
415
Hours
3
Psychopathology

This course presents information concerning criteria used in assessing mental disorders along developmental and life span trajectories (from infancy to older adulthood). It provides information about the prevalence and etiology of psychiatric disorders, and the impact of mental disorders on clients, their families, and communities. The course provides students tools by which they learn to recognize the risk of error within the assessment process, and learn to recognize the potential for bias that result when assessment tools are inaccurately applied across cultural, ethnic, racial, and other groups.

Prerequisite(s): PY 101 or PY 105 with a grade of a C- or better.
SW
419
Hours
3
International Social Work

For students interested in international issues of social welfare and social justice, the course introduces international social work. The course is open to Social Work students as well students from other disciplines. The purpose of this class is to expose students to a wide range of internationally focused issues regarding human well-being and human rights along with contemporary debate on those issues. In this class, students will gain a deeper understanding of international social work and social development issues including global health development, governmental and non-governmental development agencies, role of social work in development, environmental politics, empowerment versus handout, along with resource sharing issues associated with poverty, world hunger, land use, and costs of globalization.

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore-, junior-, or senior-standing
SW
420
Hours
3
Research Social Work Practice

Basic research methods for the generalist social worker. Focuses on the role of research in building knowledge, critical assessment of research reports, use of research techniques, and application of research findings to generalist social work practice.

Prerequisite(s): Test score SWP-Pass
SW
425
Hours
3
Research for Social Work Practice Honors

Basic research methods for the generalist social worker. This honors class focuses on the role of research in building knowledge, critical assessment of research reports, use of research techniques, and application of research findings to generalist social work practice.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Honors College and the Professional Program in Social Work or Admission to the Honors College and declaration of a Social Welfare Minor or Permission of the BSW Program Chair or the Assistant Dean for Educational Programs and Student Services in the School of Social Work. Completion of the statistics requirement with a "C-" or better: BER 345, CJ 381, PY 211, SOC 301, or ST 260.
University Honors
SW
440
Hours
3
Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families

Social Work 440 is the first in a sequence of three practice courses required for the BSW degree. This sequence is designed to prepare students for generalist practice. The course focuses on practice with individuals and families. The course emphasizes professional relationships that are characterized by mutuality, collaboration, and respect for clients. The course addresses development of self-awareness, identification of personal values, and the potential for ethical dilemmas resulting from conflicting values. The content is intended to develop the knowledge and skills needed to enable individuals and families to reach their potential through a problem- solving approach, known as The Generalist Model. The conceptualization of generalist practice, as defined by Schools of Social Work, in part, dictates what will be included in practice courses and how practice classes will be taught. The University of Alabama’s School of Social Work conceptualizes its primary goal to undergraduates as preparing students for generalist practice. By this we mean that Graduates are prepared to assist people of all ages, from all walks of life, with all kinds of problems in a variety of settings. As generalist practitioners, graduates are prepared with skills to assist individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in achieving goals and solving problems. This course requires monthly, synchronous attendance to a virtual skills lab meeting.

Prerequisite(s): Test Score SWP-Pass
SW
441
Hours
3
SW Practice with Groups

This is a foundational course in a required sequence of practice courses for the undergraduate social work program. It is designed to provide fundamental knowledge of and skills for generalist social work practice with groups. It is consistent with generalist practice in its use of a problem-solving approach. The generalist social worker must have the ability to assess problems, plan and implement appropriate multi-method intervention with client systems of various sizes and types. The course builds directly on the knowledge undergraduate students have gained in SW 440. The course gives attention to the range of group affiliations, life events and life transitions and their potential impact on various sized systems. It emphasizes the values and ethics of the social work profession, including respect for the positive value of diversity. The knowledge and skills gained in the course should enable the student to be an effective member and leader of groups. This course requires monthly, synchronous attendance to a virtual skills lab meeting.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to BSW Professional Program. C- or higher in SW 410 and SW 440.
SW
442
Hours
3
SW Practice with Communities and Organizations

This course is one of three required social work practice courses offered in the professional foundation year of the BSW program. It is designed to help students understand generalist social work practice in and with communities and organizations. SW 442 introduces students to selected macro practice models that emphasize client strengths, empowerment, and resident-driven approaches to engagement, assessment and intervention at the community and organizational levels. The practice models selected for this course explicitly address poverty, inequality and social injustice, give attention to an appreciation of human diversity, and respect for the dignity and worth of the individual. Online sections of this course require concurrent enrollment in SW 442 skills lab.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to BSW Professional Program, SW 410, SW 440.
SW
443
Hours
3
Seminar in Generalist Practice

Required course designed to accompany field placement. Seeks to assist students in integrating foundation content with field experience, with emphasis on generalist practice.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to BSW Professional Program and completion with a C- or better of SW 401 or 405, SW 410, SW 411, SW 440, SW 441, SW 442 and SW 444. Corequisite: SW 490
Experiential Learning
SW
444
Hours
1
Leadership and Professional Development

This course is designed to prepare social work students for the integrated and experiential learning that occurs in the social work field placement. As the profession’s signature pedagogy, field education socializes students to perform the role of practitioner making the connection between the theoretical and conceptual classroom content and the practice setting. The approach to making this connection requires taking classroom knowledge, skills, and values and applying these concepts through a process of reflection and analysis. This course focuses on the salient concepts and issues that commonly pose challenges in the field setting.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Professional Program
Prerequisite(s) with concurrency: SW 410 and SW 440
SW
445
Hours
3
Social Work Honors Seminar

This seminar provides structured learning opportunities that enable students to complete their Capstone Honors Project. Students will apply in-depth knowledge of generalist social work practice to projects that emphasize values consistent with the social work profession. Although the projects will vary in scope, the expected results will be improvement in the bio-psychosocial functioning in individuals, families, groups, organizations, or communities. While students will be evaluated individually, it is expected that students will have opportunities to work in teams and groups to accomplish the specific goals of the projects while enrolled in SW 445.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to BSW Professional Program and completion with a C- or better of SW 100 or SW 105, SW 101, SW 200 or SW 205, SW 351 or SW 355, SW 310 or exemption for earning a B- or higher on the writing exam), SW 401 or SW 405, SW 410, SW 411, SW 440, SW 441, SW 442 and SW 444.
Experiential Learning, University Honors
SW
457
Hours
1-6
Special Topics

Junior standing Special topics.

Special Topics Course
SW
490
Hours
9
Practicum Education

Planned field experience in which the student is placed in a community service agency for a minimum of 32 hours a week, working under the joint instruction of the agency and the School of Social Work.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to BSW Professional Program and completion with a C- or better: SW 401 or SW 405, SW 410, SW 411, SW 440, SW 441, SW 442, and SW 444
Experiential Learning
SW
491
Hours
6
Practicum Education

Planned practicum “Field” experience in which the student is placed in a community service agency for a minimum of 20 hours a week, working under the joint instruction of the agency and the School of Social Work. For senior social work majors only.

SW
492
Hours
3
Practicum Education

Planned practicum “field” experience in which the student is placed in a community service agency for a minimum of 20 hours a week, working under the joint instruction of the agency and the School of Social Work. For senior social work majors only. This course is designed to provide the opportunity for students to apply their knowledge, values, and skills in a supervised practice setting. Students will reach a minimum of 150 hours during the course of this term.

Prerequisite(s): SW 491
SW
498
Hours
1-6
Independent Study

An opportunity for individual students or groups of students to assume liberal responsibility for developing their own learning objectives in conjunction with a faculty member who has expertise in the area, and for pursuing these objectives in relation to a social welfare program or function. By permission of the instructor, program chair, and associate dean. Permission must be obtained during the preceding semester.

Special Topics Course