Social Work (SW)
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.
GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
An integrative seminar in introducing students to gerontology as an interdisciplinary field of practice. The course provides an overview of topics such as the demography of older adults and the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of aging. The course also covers health care and social policies that impact older persons and caregivers along with the aging network of services. Students will discuss forms of oppression such as ageism, sexism, racism, able-body(ism), and homophobia that impacts work with older people as well as strategies to promote social and economic justice.
GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Summer only
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.
GEP U.S. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, GEP U.S. Diversity, GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course provides an overview of the principles and methods of basic social work research. Substantive research knowledge, including quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, are highlighted. Research ethics within the context of social work ethics and values are emphasized. The course introduces students to how high-quality research in social work is designed and conducted, as well as how research can assist in making important decisions about the design and implementation of projects, programs, and policies that address the social needs of diverse groups.
Prerequisite: ST 311
GEP Social Sciences
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
This course introduces students to 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.
Requirement: Junior Standing
GEP U.S. Diversity, GEP Social Sciences
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course is 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.
GEP Social Sciences, GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
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.
GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
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.
Corequisite: Social Work Majors, and a prerequisite or corequisite of SW 310
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
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.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
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.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
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. Credit not given for both SW 412 and SW 512. Instructor Permission Required.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
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.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
Typically offered in Summer 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.
Prerequisite: SW 201
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
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
Prerequisite: SW 310
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
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.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Best practice seminar for participants in the NC Child Welfare Education Collaborative Program. Seminars focus on current issues in child welfare practice and policy. Topics vary from semester to semester. Students arrange own transportation for occasional field trips to community agencies.
Prerequisite: Students are Participants in the NC Child Welfare Education Collaborative Program
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Legal environment of the social work profession. Relationships among legal processes, the delivery of social work services and client problems.
Prerequisite: Social Work Majors and Social Work Minors
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
A basic overview of military life and the issues and challenges faced by military personnel, their families, friends, and community. The course provides a foundational guide to help professionals working with military families and to understand and address these issues and challenges.
R: Junior or Senior standing. Sophomores and Non-Degree may enroll with instructor approval.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
This course will familiarize students with the history and experience of hunger and homelessness in contemporary American society. The course includes discussion, narrative readings, experiential exercises, movie reviews, field trips, and other media to expose students to issues of food insecurity and housing instability. Students will critique ideas of what it means to be "poor" and be exposed to the lives of individuals who do not have access to adequate food, housing, healthcare, and other basic needs. American social welfare policy, including governmental and local programs that address these issues, will be discussed. Students are responsible for transportation.
Restricted: Junior or Senior Standing. Sophomores and Non-Degree Students may enroll with instructor approval.
GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
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.
GEP Global Knowledge
Typically offered in Summer only
Introduction to aspects of field placement process and necessary skills for a successful internship. Application, interview, ethical practice, documentation, supervision and learning contract.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Weekly integrative seminar taken in conjunction with SW 491, Community-Based Field Internship. Field seminar provides students the opportunity to discuss and reflect upon their practice of social work skills through dialogue and discourse facilitated by a faculty member who develops a professional environment for students to discuss and reflect upon their agency-based field placement experience. Through organized group discussion and assignments, students use critical reflection pedagogy to discuss their application of professional social work.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
This nine-credit course is a co-requisite for, and is taken in conjunction with, SW 491 during the BSW student's final semester. Students must complete a range of 450 to 480 hours of supervised field agency practicum in an approved community-based agency. It serves as a direct practice component of the culmination of knowledge gained in the BSW courses. Field placement provides students the opportunity to practice social work skills under the supervision of a professional social worker and apply evidence-informed practices, with emphasis on social and economic justice, in their work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
Detailed investigation of a topic in social work. Topic and mode of study determined by faculty member.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
Independent or small group study of a social work practice or social welfare area. Individualized/Independent Study and Research courses require a "Course Agreement for Students Enrolled in Non-Standard Courses" be completed by the student and faculty member prior to registration by the department.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or Senior standing, Social Work Majors or Social Work Minor, Nine credits in social work courses
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
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.
Corequisite: SW 505
Typically offered in Summer only
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.
Typically offered in Spring only
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.
Typically 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.
Typically offered in Fall only
This course prepares students to carry out evidence-based practice in social work by interpreting empirical research findings in the context of social work practice and using social work research methods. The major activities of the course include: (1) identification of human diversity and ethical issues in research design and implementation, (2) identification of the steps of the research process, (3) assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of empirical research studies, and (4) utilization of mixed methods in designing social work research and evaluation.
P: ST 311; R: Departmental approval required
Typically offered in Spring only
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. Credit not given for both SW 412 and SW 512. Instructor Permission Required.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
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.
Prerequisite: SW 201
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
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
Prerequisite: SW 310
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
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.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
Best practice seminar for participants in the NC Child Welfare Education Collaborative Program. Seminars focus on current issues in child welfare practice and policy. Topics vary from semester to semester. Students arrange own transportation for occasional field trips to community agencies. Required for members of the NC Child Welfare Education Collaborative Program.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
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.
Typically offered in Fall only
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.
Typically offered in Fall only
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.
Typically offered in Spring only
A basic overview of military life and the issues and challenges faced by military personnel, their families, friends, and community. The course provides a foundational guide to help professionals working with military families and to understand and address these issues and challenges.
R: Junior or Senior standing. Sophomores and Non-Degree may enroll with instructor approval.
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
This course provides an in-depth analysis of social policy development in the urban context and the multi-dimensional nature of environments, communities, and individuals. Popular media (newspaper and journal articles, film, television, and textbooks) will proxy as a microcosm of contemporary social welfare problems and purported solutions. Following an ethical and social justice paradigm, this course will examine the portrayals of the urban experience and the attendant social problems of life (crime, drugs, economic bifurcation, educational system, and the media) in an economically depressed or struggling major metropolitan area.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
This course will familiarize students with the history and experience of hunger and homelessness in contemporary American society. The course includes discussion, narrative readings, experiential exercises, movie reviews, field trips, and other media to expose students to issues of food insecurity and housing instability. Students will critique ideas of what it means to be "poor" and be exposed to the lives of individuals who do not have access to adequate food, housing, healthcare, and other basic needs. American social welfare policy, including governmental and local programs that address these issues, will be discussed. Students are responsible for transportation.
Restricted: Junior or Senior Standing. Sophomores and Non-Degree Students may enroll with instructor approval.
GEP U.S. Diversity
Typically offered in Fall and Spring
This course examines evidence-based treatments across the lifespan from a social work perspective, with a specific focus on the most common mental disorders and evidence-based treatments. Students will demonstrate application of the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and become critical consumers of evidence-based treatment research with diverse populations. The course emphasizes strengths and ecological systems perspectives, risk and resiliency factors, and the impact of biological, psychological, cultural, spiritual and other social factors.
Prerequisite: SW 501 and SW 505 and SW 506 and SW 510 and SW 520 and SW 521 and SW 651 and SW 652; Corequisite: SW 653
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and 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.
GEP Global Knowledge
Typically offered in Summer only
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.
Typically offered in Spring only
Focuses on assessment and intervention strategies for clinical practice with children and adolescents. Explores issues common to these client groups.
Typically offered in Fall only
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to program development and grant writing in social work. The course examines the major steps in the process including problem identification, needs assessment, program planning, and resource identification and development. It is 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 a related graduate program.
Typically offered in Spring only
This is the first course on social policy and 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, and 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. This course is restricted to students admitted to the MSW Program.
Typically offered in Spring only
This course addresses the theoretical frameworks and functions for managing human service organizations. The course will also explore 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 and governance, funding, accountability systems, and human resources will be discussed. The course provides students with a conceptual framework for understanding the management function, and promotes the development of specific skills necessary to critically evaluate and purposefully select among different management strategies.
Typically offered in Fall and Summer
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.
Prerequisite: SW 691
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.
Prerequisite: SW 653
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.
Typically offered in Fall only
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.
Typically offered in Fall only
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.
Typically offered in Spring only
This course involves implementation of a capstone project reflecting mastery of curricular content and demonstrating readiness to practice as an MSW-level professional social worker. Through the capstone project, students apply social work skills and integrate multiple social work concepts, such as the ecological systems and empowerment perspectives, intersectionality, and covert and overt oppression.
P: SW 519
Typically offered in Spring only
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.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
An independent study addressing an area of social work practice or social welfare.
Prerequisite: Master of Social Work, SW 510
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer
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.
Typically offered in Fall only
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.
Typically offered in Spring only
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.
Typically offered in Fall only
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.
Typically offered in Spring only