Social Work 201: Introduction To Social Work. A course offering students who think they would like to work with others, an opportunity to explore the field of professional social work and to assess their own aptitude and interest in a major in social work. Students planning careers in related professions such as criminal justice, ministry, or allied health may wish to learn about social work, as well. The course includes a brief history of the profession and an overview of major social welfare needs and services in the U.S. Problems which social workers encounter in their practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities are presented, and a generalist problem-solving perspective is introduced. Students visit social work agencies and meet professional social workers. Offered in the fall and spring. (3 credits)

Social Work 290: Early Experience In Social Work. A course designed for students exploring social work as a career choice. It is coupled with Introduction to Social Work (201) to provide an opportunity to observe the people, places, and processes of helping. Students are assigned to a human service agency for a minimum of 65 hours during the semester. Written requirements include a journal and descriptive agency analysis. Field faculty and students complete a written evaluation of performance in the agency setting. Prerequisites: 2.0 GPA, completion of or enrollment in SOWK 201, and permission of the Field Coordinator. Students must apply by February 15 for the fall semester and by September 15 for the spring semester. Offered in the fall and spring. (3 credits)

Social Work 350, 351: Human Behavior In The Social Environment. Two courses presenting an ecological perspective on the development and functioning of individuals, families, structured groups, communities, and organizations. The dual perspective of the developing individual over the life course and the environmental processes provides the framework for understanding human behavior. Emphasis is placed on life transitions and events, on diverse social environments and contexts that support or inhibit human development and functioning, and variations in development and functioning which arise from cultural processes, race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, and rural/urban differences. Prerequisites: Sociology 225 and Psychology 222. Offered in the fall and spring respectively. (3,3)

Social Work 340: Social Welfare History And Systems And Social Work 341: Social Welfare Systems And Services. Two courses focusing on historical, economic, political, and philosophical foundations of American social welfare policy. In the first semester the origins and history of social welfare and social work in the United States are presented. Concepts important to understanding social welfare policy and delivering services to clients of various backgrounds and differing life experiences are studied, including that of social justice in the light of our Judaeo-Christian heritage. The impact of discrimination in American history is assessed, with a consideration of how societal inequities might be remedied.
                In SOWK 341 students engage in social policy analysis, in the study of social welfare systems and services, and formulate social policy recommendations in the form of written legislative testimony. Social welfare services are studied, with application to specific case situations. Students are introduced to an overview of the legal system, and to legislation and regulations pertinent to social work generalist practice. Prerequisite: Sociology 225. Offered in the fall and spring respectively. (3, 3)

Social Work 330: Research Methods In Social Work. A course providing an introduction to basic research methods. Emphasis is placed on the student's ability to locate and understand scholarly articles, and to conduct elementary research for social work practice, including single case system designs, brief surveys, and simple program evaluation, as well as the preparation of the research report. This is a laboratory course. Prerequisites: Mathematics l60 (Statistics) and CIS 125 (Introduction to Computers). Offered in the fall and spring. (4)

Social Work 320: Social Work Practice Methods I. A course for exploring the dynamics of the helping process, with opportunities to practice skills, gain knowledge, and integrate personal and professional values in the helping relationship. A problem-solving model is presented for generalist practice with emphasis on work with individuals and families. Prerequisite: Formal admission to the major. Offered in the fall. (3)

Social Work 321: Social Work Practice Methods II. A course providing opportunities for students to become knowledgeable about and skillful in professional helping relationships with groups, organizations, and communities. The problem-solving method is utilized in depth with an emphasis on work with groups, organizations and communities. Skills for working with diverse populations are strengthened and expanded. Prerequisites: Formal admission to the major, and completion of SOWK 320 and SOWK 350. Offered in the spring. (3)

Social Work 490 And 491: Field Practicum I And II. Social work practice in an approved agency under Social Work supervision for a minimum of 450 clock hours, 225 hours each semester. Students are responsible for expenses and must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license and motor vehicle insurance. A completed request for placement must be turned in to the Field Coordinator by February 15. All practicum placements begin in the fall. Prerequisites for SOWK 490: 2.25 GPA, completion of SOWK 320, SOWK 321, SOWK 340, SOWK 341, SOWK 350 and SOWK 351. Offered in the fall and spring respectively. (6,6)

Sowk 480 And Sowk 481: Practice Seminar. A practice seminar directed toward helping the student integrate field and classroom experiences and to strengthen understanding and application of generalist practice, social work research knowledge and skills, and ability to work with diverse populations in a variety of settings. Enrollment must be concurrent with SOWK 490 and SOWK 491. Offered in the fall and spring respectively. (3,3)

Sowk 360: Topics In Social Work. An upper-level elective open to majors and to selected junior or senior non-majors with approval of the instructor. Topics vary from semester to semester and the course may be repeated for credit with different topics. Topics in the past have included social work with older persons, social work with women, and social work with alcohol and drug dependent clients and families. Offered as needed. (1-3)  

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