SW - Social Work


SW 201Community Social ServicesUNITS: 4 - Offered in Fall and Spring
This course, the basis for all other social work courses, provides an introduction to generalist practice and an overview of social work practice in a variety of settings. Successful completion of this course is a prerequisite for all advanced SW courses. This course is designed to acquaint students with social services typical of most American communities: what they are, who uses them, their impact, who pays for them, and who works in them. 40-hour pre-professional placement required, intern liability insurance required. Transportation to and from agency and/or community settings is the responsibility of the student.


SW 290The Development of Social Welfare and Social Work in the U.S.UNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall and Spring
This course reviews the major policy and program developments in American social welfare and the emergence and development of professional social work. Emphasis will be on the socio-cultural context of policy and programs, and the ideas and ideals that shape social welfare. In addition, the basic elements of social policy development will be considered. This course provides the history, mission, philosophy, and evolution of social welfare policies and services that form the foundation of social welfare, particularly as they relate to poverty, racism, and efforts to address the needs of oppressed and marginalized populations.


SW 300Research Methods in Social WorkUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: Social Work Majors or Social Work Minors, ST 311
Course provides an overview of the principles and methods of basic social work research. Substantive research knowledge, quantitative and qualitative research methodology are highlighted. Research ethics within the context of social work purposes and values are emphasized. Course exposes students to how high quality research in social work is designed and conducted and how it can assist in making important decisions about the design and implementation of projects, programs, and policies that address the social needs of diverse groups.


SW 307Social Welfare Policy: Analysis and AdvocacyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: SW 290
Course enables students to understand the processes by which social welfare policies are developed and implemented as well as the ways in which people can intervene to affect these processes. Students have the opportunity to review recent developments in national and state social welfare policies and programs in major areas such as poverty, welfare, social security , housing, health and mental health care, and child welfare. The course focuses on the development of students' policy analysis and advocacy skills.


SW 310Human Behavior Theory for Social Work PracticeUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: SW 201
Designed to introduce theory regarding human life/development for students intending to practice social work. Students learn to recognize ways in which diversity characterizes and shapes the human experience and is critical to the formation of identity, the extent to which a culture's structures and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, create or enhance privilege and power. Course surveys major theoretical frameworks and normative developmental variations. Students learn to apply these theories and knowledge from the liberal arts to understand biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual development. Transportation to and from agency and/or community setting is the responsibility of the student.


SW 312Multicultural Social WorkUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall and Spring, U.S. Diversity
Course prepares students to work with diverse groups of people locally and globally defined by gender, ethnicity, race, national origin, sexual orientation, income, physical and mental ability, age and religion. Emphasis is placed on defining and developing skills for culturally competent social work generalist practice with these populations through students' self-examination, experiential learning, and critical reading of class material. This course helps students develop competencies in critical self-reflection, multicultural values and ethics, knowledge, awareness and skills in a variety of ways so that they can work against manifestations of social injustice. Students are expected to provide their own transportation as needed.


SW 320Social Work Practice IUNITS: 4 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Corequisite: Social Work Majors, and a prerequisite or corequisite of SW 310
First of a three-course sequence. Practice I presents the generalist social work practice method and focuses on interviewing skills, engaging clients in the helping process, and integrating theory and social work practice. It addresses ethical and professional standards and emphasizes understanding and applying systems and ecological frameworks to practice situations. It examines strengths-based assessment, the phases of the helping relationship, and the dynamics of change in interpersonal helping relationships, within a framework of human rights, social justice, and diversity. 40-hour preprofessional placement required; intern liability insurance required. Transportation to and from agency and/or community settings is the student's responsibility.


SW 405Social Work Practice IIUNITS: 4 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: Social Work Majors, SW 320, Corequisite: SW 480/SW 408
Second of a three-course sequence (Practice I, II, and III). Practice II examines generalist social work roles and techniques with families and groups. Building on the foundation interviewing and engagement skills presented in Practice I, it focuses on assessment, planning, and intervention with individuals, families and small groups within a framework of human rights, social justice, and diversity. 40-hour preprofessional placement is required, intern liability insurance is required. Transportation to and from agency and/or community settings is the student's responsibility.


SW 408Social Work Practice IIIUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: Social Work Majors, SW 320, Corequisite: SW 405, SW 480
Course prepares students for practice will organizations, communities, policy structures, and institutions that are viewed as both tools and targets for change efforts. Course emphasizes multiculturalism, diversity, and social justice in relation to social systems. It is designed to provide social work practitioners with the means to help organizations and communities empower themselves to make change through networking, political participation, leadership development, mobilization, utilization of resources, and other strategies and techniques. Transportation to and/or from community settings is the responsibility of the student.


SW 412Social Work in SchoolsUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: Nine credits in Social Work courses, including SW 320
Models and roles relevant to school social work practice. Cooperative work with school personnel in the identification, prevention and treatment of social, emotional and behavioral problems of children and interventive techniques with parents and community groups. For individuals preparing for social work practice in the public schools and for school social workers seeking licensure.


SW 413African American Families: History, Tradition, and CommunityUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only, Offered Alternate Odd Years
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
Characteristics, traditions, history and strengths of African American families and their relationship to other social institutions, social advocacy and social policy development. African-centered worldview and relevant theory pertaining to best practice with African American families.


SW 415Child WelfareUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: SW 201
Generalist perspective on the practice of public child welfare. History of child welfare, practices in child welfare, and current trends in child welfare programs. Skills needed to practice in child protective services, adoption, and foster care with specific attention to the North Carolina child welfare system. Application of cultural diversity and cultural competency integrated throughout as it relates to child welfare issues.


SW 416Addiction Recovery and Social Work PracticeUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: SW 310
Knowledge and skills in identifying Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) problems, screening, assessment, intervention, referral, and prevention: history of AOD problems and treatment, AOD classification, effects and signs/symptoms of AOD, models of addiction, diversity, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, treatment modalities, mutual-help groups, family dynamics, prevention, and ethical considerations. Students cannot receive credit for both SW 416 and SW 516


SW 417Social Work and AgingUNITS: 3
Physical, psychological, social, and cultural theories of the aging process as it relates to social work practice, social policy, and services for working with older adults and their families. Emphasis on mental and physical well-being, diversity, social and economic justice, intergenerational issues, policy and programs. Credit is not allowed for both SW 417 and SW 517


SW 420The Legal Aspects of Social WorkUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: Social Work Majors and Social Work Minors
Legal environment of the social work profession. Relationships among legal processes, the delivery of social work services and client problems.


SW 440International Learning Experience in Social WorkUNITS: 6 - Offered in Summer, Global Knowledge
A seven week learning experience in Guatemala. Through this course, the student will develop a global perspective of social welfare and social work practice, will learn about the people and culture of the Lake Atitlan area of Guatemala, will learn the variety of resources available in response to social need, and will enhance or develop Spanish language competence. All costs associated with learning opportunities and activities for this course are included in the cost of the program.


SW 480Preparation for Field WorkUNITS: 1 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: Social Work Majors, SW 320, Corequisite: SW 405, SW 408
Introduction to aspects of field placement process and necessary skills for a successful internship. Application, interview, ethical practice, documentation, supervision and learning contract.


SW 490Field Work in Social ServicesUNITS: 12 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: Social Work Majors, SW 405, SW 408, SW 480
Supervised placement in a social service organization; demonstration of CSWE core competencies and professional practice behaviors. Weekly integrative seminar. Intern liability insurance required. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to the internship site.


SW 495Special Topics in Social WorkUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Detailed investigation of a topic in social work. Topic and mode of study determined by faculty member.


SW 498Independent Studies in Social WorkUNITS: 1-6 - Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Senior standing, Social Work Majors or Social Work Minor, Nine credits in social work courses
Independent or small group study of a social work practice or social welfare area.


SW 500Advanced Standing SeminarUNITS: 4 - Offered in Summer
Corequisite: SW 505
Orients advanced standing students to the Department and the MSW Program; provides connection between the BSW curriculum and advanced MSW curriculum; assures attainment of CSWE Foundation Curriculum Competencies; provides opportunities to demonstrate/evaluate practice skills of engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation; assists students with successful entry into advanced MSW program of study and advanced field placement. For graduate students in the advanced standing program.


SW 501Social Work Policy, Services and ProgramsUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: Students must be enrolled in the Master of Social Work program
Provides students with an understanding of and critical perspective on the development of social systems, social policy and the profession of Social Work in the United States. Examination of the history, mission, philosophy, and evolution of social welfare polices and services that form the foundation of social welfare, particularly as they relate to poverty, racism, and efforts to address the needs of oppresses and marginalized populations.


SW 502Social Welfare Planning and AnalysisUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: Master of Social Work SW 501
Reviews a range of frameworks for analyzing social policy. Highlights the relationships among social problems, policies and programs, and social work practice. Addresses issues of social and economic justice and explores the values and ethical choices involved in various approaches to social welfare policy.


SW 505Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Social JusticeUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: Students must be enrolled in the Master of Social Work program
Theoretical and experiential knowledge related to oppression, privilege, and social and economic justice. Particular attention is given to persons and groups most affected by oppression and mechanisms that advance the achievement of a more just society.


SW 506Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Individuals, Families, and GroupsUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall and Summer
An overview of normative individual and family development trajectories through the life cycle and survey of major theoretical frameworks and normative development variations: Theories of individual, familial, and group interaction and ways that informal groupings and support networks function to maintain individual and family well-being and stability. Admission to the MSW program or permission of the instructor.


SW 507Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Organizations and CommunitiesUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring and Summer
Prerequisite: Students must be enrolled in the Master of Social Work program
Theories and models for understanding human service organizations and communities. Emphasis on communication and collaboration with diverse task groups, organizations, and communities.


SW 510Research Methods for Social WorkUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: ST 311
Social work research methods, interpretation of empirical research findings within the context of social work practice. Major activities include 1)identification of the steps of the research process, 2)utilization of mixed methodologies, 3)assessment of empirical research studies, and 4)discussion of human diversity and ethical issues in research design and implementation. Admission to the MSW Program and ST 311 or equivalent.


SW 511Evaluation of Social Work InterventionsUNITS: 3
Prerequisite: SW 510
Evaluating social work practice and health and human services. Prepares students for designing a study relevant to social work goals and meeting professional ethics, collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and presenting findings to diverse stakeholders. Master of Social Work required.


SW 512Evaluation of a Social Work InterventionUNITS: 2 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: SW 510
Second of three courses in social work research. Evaluating social work practice and health and human services programs within different research paradigms. Prepares students for collecting, analyzing, and reporting qualitative and quantitative data; includes laboratory experience. Restricted to students who have completed all foundation courses in the MSW program.


SW 515Child WelfareUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Generalist perspective on the practice of public child welfare. History of child welfare, practices in child welfare, and current trends in child welfare programs. Skills needed to practice in child protective services, adoption, and foster care with specific attention to the North Carolina child welfare system. Application of cultural diversity and cultural competency integrated throughout as it relates to child welfare issues. Credit is not allowed for both SW 415 and SW 515.


SW 516Addiction Recovery and Social Work PracticeUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Knkowledge and skills in identifying Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) problems, screening, assessment, intervention, referral, and prevention: history of AOD problems and treatment, AOD classification, effects and signs/symptoms of AOD, models of addiction, diversity, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, treatment modalities, mutual-help groups, family dynamics, prevention, and ethical considerations. Credit is not allowed for both SW 416 and SW 516


SW 517Social Work and AgingUNITS: 3
Physical, psychological, social, and cultural theories of the aging process as it relates to social work practice, social policy, and services for working with older adults and their families. Emphasis on mental and physical well-being, diversity, social and economic justice, intergenerational issues, policy and programs. Credit is not allowed for both SW 417 and SW 517.


SW 520SW Generalist Practice IUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Corequisite: SW 651
Provides the foundation knowledge and skills needed to engage and assess individuals, families and groups. Examines underlying theories and models of research-informed practice and evidence-based social work interventions with particular emphasis on the ecological systems model from a strengths perspective. Presents the phases and dynamics of change in interpersonal helping relationships within a framework of human rights, social justice, and diversity. Restricted to students admitted to the MSW program.


SW 521SW General Practice IIUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in SW 520 and SW 651
Prepares students for Social Work practice within organizations, communities and policy structures. Emphasizes multiculturalism, diversity, and social justice in relation to social systems. Restricted to students admitted to the MSW program.


SW 540International Learning Experience in Social WorkUNITS: 6 - Offered in Summer
A seven week learning experience in Guatemala. Through this course, the student will develop a global perspective of social welfare and social work practice, will learn about the people and culture of the Lake Atitlan area of Guatemala, will learn the variety of resources available in response to social need, and will enhance or develop Spanish language competence. All costs associated with learning opportunities and activities for this course are included in the cost of the program.


SW 550Advanced Social Work Practice with FamiliesUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: SW 652, Corequisite: SW 654
Theories, concepts, and skills needed for practice with diverse, at-risk family populations. Includes overview of historical and current social work approaches to family intervention as well as skill development in contemporary intervention methods. Focuses on understanding families within their cultural and community contexts, and presents several family intervention models useful for helping families build on their strengths to cope with a variety of family constellations, changes, and challenges.


SW 551Social Work Practice with Children and AdolescentsUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: SW 521 and SW 652
Focuses on assessment and intervention strategies for clinical practice with children and adolescents. Explores issues common to these client groups.


SW 557SW Program Development and Grant WritingUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: SW 521 and SW 652; Corequisite: SW 653
Provides a comprehensive introduction to program development and grant writing in social work. Examines the major steps in the process including problem identification, needs assessment, program planning, and resource identification and development. Designed to provide a hands-on approach to developing grant writing and other resource development skills. Restricted to students who have completed all foundation courses in the MSW program.


SW 560Advanced Policy Practice with Organizations and CommunitiesUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: SW 501 and Corequisite: SW 654
Second of two courses on social policy. Examines how social workers collaborate with organizations and communities to intervene in social policy. Strategies for policy practice include values clarification, legislative advocacy, analytic advocacy, and implementation advocacy. These strategies build upon concepts and skills from community development, social planning, and community organizing. Emphasis is given to working with economically disadvantaged and historically disempowered communities. Restricted to students who have completed all foundation courses in the MSW program.


SW 561Social Work Administration and SupervisionUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: SW 521 and SW 652; Corequisite: SW 653
Addresses the theoretical frameworks and functions of managing human service organizations. Explores personal and professional values and ethical dilemmas in exercising leadership in the management of culturally diverse community groups, boards and committee meetings. Issues of staff development, team building, group decision-making, problem solving strategies, legal structure, governance, funding, accountability systems, and human resources will be discussed. Restricted to students who have completed all foundation courses in the MSW program.


SW 570Social Work with GroupsUNITS: 3
Prerequisite: SW 691
Advanced social work practice with groups. Planning, implementing, ending, and evaluating groups placed within various policy contexts and theoretical frameworks. Group work with diverse populations emphasized. Master of social work required.


SW 571Community Mental HealthUNITS: 3
Prerequisite: SW 691
Focuses on social work practice in the field of Mental Health. Reviews policy and practice as it pertains to the promotion of mental health, the prevention of mental illnesses, and the delivery of psychosocial treatment. Strategies and practice for use at the individual, family, group, organizational, community, and societel levels are explored. Master of social work required.


SW 580Social Work Professional SeminarUNITS: 4
Prerequisite: SW 653
Capstone course taken in the final semester of the MSW program intended to help students integrate all coursework in preparation for graduation and professional practice. Directs students to apply promising practices to their professional work andencourages students to interact and blend perspectives from both direct practice and community partnership concentration options.


SW 581Advanced Social Work Practice with IndividualsUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: SW 521 and SW 652
Prepares the student for advanced generalist practice with individuals who are experiencing a range of complex life challenges. Focus on traditional and emerging social work practice theories used by social workers to assist individuals in experiencing external and/or internal stressors. Interventions with diverse populations risk. Restricted to students who have completed all foundation courses in the MSW program.


SW 582Advanced Social Work Practices with GroupsUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: SW 521 and SW 652; Corequisite: SW 653
Focuses on advanced social work practice with groups. Uses ecological systems and empowerment perspectives to explore major theories of social work practice with groups. Critical examination of contemporary issues in designing and evaluation group interventions in assessing their impact on individual and social change. Restricted to students who have completed all foundation courses in the MSW program.


SW 583Advanced Social Work Practice with Family SystemsUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: SW 521 and SW 652; Corequisite: SW 654
Theories, concepts, and skills needed for practice with diverse, at-risk families. Overview of historical and current social work approaches to family intervention as well as skill development in contemporary methods. Focuses on understanding families within their cultural and community contexts and presents several family intervention models useful for helping families build on their strengths to cope with a variety of family constellations, changes, and challenges experienced throughout their lifespan. Restricted to students who have completed all foundation courses in the MSW program.


SW 590Social Work CapstoneUNITS: 2 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: SW 653; Corequisite: SW 654
Integration of ecological systems and empowerment perspectives with concepts of intersectionality and covert and overt oppression in group and organizational life leading to design and implementation of a capstone project reflecting mastery of all curricular content and demonstrating readiness to practice as an MSW level professional social worker. Restricted to students who have completed the first semester in the Advanced Year of the MSW Program.


SW 595Special Topics in Social WorkUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
In-depth exploration of specialized or emerging topics in social work or social welfare. Topic of current interest and mode of study determined by faculty member. Also used to test and develop new courses.


SW 630Independent Study in Social WorkUNITS: 1-6 - Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Master of Social Work, SW 510
An independent study addressing an area of social work practice or social welfare.


SW 651Social Work Field Internship IUNITS: 5 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: SW 520 and Corequisite: SW 652
First course in a two-course foundation sequence that provides students the opportunity to use generalist practice social work skills in a field agency under the supervision of an MSW social work practitioner.


SW 652Social Work Field Internship IIUNITS: 5 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: SW 520 and SW 651, Corequisite: SW 521
Second course in a two-course foundation field internship sequence that provides students the opportunity to use generalist practice social work skills in a field agency under the supervision of an MSW social work practitioner.


SW 653Advanced Social Work Field Internship IUNITS: 5 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: SW 652 and SW 521; Corequisite: SW 512, SW 557, SW 581, SW 582
First course in the advanced field internship sequence that provides students with the opportunity to use advanced generalist practice social work in a field agency under the supervision of an MSW social work practitioner.


SW 654Advanced Social Work Field Internship IIUNITS: 5 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: SW 653; Corequisite: SW 560 or SW 561 or SW 583 or SW 590
Second course in the advanced field internship sequence that provides students the opportunity to use advanced generalist practice social work skills in a field agency under the supervision of an MSW social work practitioner.