Social Work Syllabus 2025: Semester Subjects, Electives, Books, Specializations

History and Philosophy of Social Work

Here, you can learn about the history of social work in a social and political context and know and believe in the ideas that guide social work practice.

• It also helps us learn how the theoretical approach works in different practice settings.

• Socio-political Changes and the Rise of Professional Social Work in the West.

• The Poor Laws, Settlement Houses, the Beveridge Plan, and the Charity Organisation Society.

Social Work Education and Profession

This course aims to familiarise students with nature, philosophy, historical growth, and the evolution of social work education and professions. It aims to teach students about social reform movements and social service traditions in our nation and the creation and development of the social work profession in our country and overseas.

Some parts of the syllabus are:

• Understanding social work philosophy and fostering values in human service workers & professionals

• Recognising the prerequisites for becoming a professional social worker

• Appreciating the historical background in which social work arose as a profession.

Psychology for Social Workers: Theories and Applications

This course seeks to create a knowledge of psychology as a burgeoning profession and its application to social work practice. The course's main purpose is to teach students to successfully apply psychological ideas to real-world difficulties and demands.

The student should be able to:

• Understand the core components of psychology and its relationship to social work practice by the conclusion of the course.

• Gain insight into the elements that influence personality development.

• Recognise individual growth and development at distinct phases of life.

Social Work with Groups

This paper provides students with the values, principles, knowledge, and techniques needed to work with individuals in a group setting to develop positive interpersonal relationships and identify and use tools to help improve their social functioning.

Goals of the Course:

• To give insight into many elements of group processes and group work to create a knowledge of group work as a way of professional social work.

• Acquire knowledge and abilities for working with groups in various circumstances.

• Recognise the group as a dynamic social unit and intervention resource

Research in Social Work

The student should be able to do the following after the course:

1. Understand the idea and nature of social work research

2. Be familiar with the nature and method of quantitative and qualitative social work research.

3. Understand the importance of research in social work practice.

Social Work Research Methodology

Social Work Research, Types and Steps

Social Justice & Human Rights in Social Work Practice

This course will assist students in developing a critical knowledge of the social, political, and economic realities. It will improve their understanding of social justice and human rights concerns plaguing our society.

Urban Community Development

A professional course in urban planning trains students in the fields of engineering, architectural design, and administration. Urban Planning is a kind of professional degree programme. It offers aid in finding solutions to problems that arise in metropolitan areas and their surroundings.

Social Work Practice in Health

You will be able to build a critical perspective on healthcare services and programmes in the context of the health scenario in the country and comprehend the shifting idea of health as an element of social development.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to grasp the significance, dimensions, and characteristics of social work intervention in health settings.

Social Work with Families and Children

Due to the pervasive nature of family structures, it is essential for individuals who practise social work to have an up-to-date evaluation of the dynamics of families and the treatments that may be implemented within them to accomplish the objectives of social work. This paper aims to offer knowledge of family systems and the conflicts that exist within them. This will allow the students to gain an appreciation for working with families and children and the abilities necessary to do so.

1

Social Work Education and Profession

A Brief Introduction to the Profession of Social Work

The Evolution of Social Work Throughout History

As a Field of Professional Practice, Social Work

Perspectives on Theory Relevant to the Field of Social Work Practice

This topic contributes to the dissemination of information about nature, philosophy, historical growth, and the evolution of social work education and the profession.

1

Social Work with Individuals

The Origins, Development, and Progress of Casework

Casework's Foundational Tenets and Constituent Parts

Methods of Conducting Casework Practice

Casework is a strategy used in social work, and the purpose of this topic is to educate students on that strategy.

1

Community Practice in Social Work

Community Practice: Concept and Context

Theories, Principles and Approaches to Community Practice

This course is designed to teach students about social work practises that focus on either community or group work.

1

Psychology for Social Workers

Theories and Applications

This topic is the foundational knowledge of psychology and the application of its principles to the field of social work.

2

Social Work with Groups

Group Work Practice in Social Work

Understanding Social Groups

Group Work Process and Techniques

Students will become familiar with the values, ideas, information, and strategies necessary to interact effectively with others in a group context after completing this topic.

2

Research in Social Work

Research Methods for Social Work

Research Design

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of research in social work as both a technique of practice and a process of inquiry.

2

Social Justice & Human Rights in Social Work Practice

Dimensions of Social Justice and Human Rights

Marginalisation and Human Rights Issues

This topic is designed to teach students about the relationship that exists between social work and human rights concerning the ideals of social justice.

2

State, Political Economy and Governance

State: Concept and Evolution, Structures and Institutions

Political Economy, Democracy, Citizenship

Basic Political Concepts and Theories

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the conceptual understanding and toolkits necessary to analyse the methodological difficulties that arise in political life.

3

Administration of Welfare and Development Services

Welfare and Development Administration

Components of Administration

Strategies and mechanisms of administration

The purpose of this course is to help students have a better understanding of the nature, the importance, components, and principles of social welfare administration as a result of studying this topic.

3

Social Policy Analysis and Practice

Understanding Social Policy

Policy Analysis and Practice

This course helps students understand the process of policy analysis and policy formation concerning social welfare by taking this course.

3

Urban Community Development

Urban Communities and Urbanisation

Urban Development Policies and Programmes

This course helps students get a better understanding of urban communities, planning, and development via the study of this topic. In addition, students get the skills necessary to participate in community development activities in an urban environment.

3

Counselling: Theory and Practice

Introduction: Foundations and Approaches to Counselling

Counselling: Techniques, Procedures, skills, competencies and a therapeutic relationship

Students in the Master of Social Work programme take this course to gain information about the characteristics and objectives of counselling as a kind of assistance.

4

Social Action and Social Movements

Social Action: Concepts and Strategies

Guiding Ideologies /Philosophies of Social Action

The goal of this course is to develop an appreciation for the relevance of social action as a strategy in social welfare to ensure social justice for those who have been disenfranchised and marginalised.

4

Social Legislation and Social Work

Social Legislation: Contextual Background

Social Legislation for Weaker Sections and Special Groups in India

Students will get a better understanding of social law and social protection by studying this topic from the viewpoints of the Constitution, the IPC, and the CPC.

4

Field Work

Work that includes internships and thesis

Social Work Administration

• Introduction to social work practice.

• Introduction to fieldwork practices.

• Integrated social work practices.

• Sociology for social workers.

• Human growth and behaviour.

• Economy and co-operation.

• Social casework.

• Introduction to local self-government.

Individuals who offer social and human services to the general public are supervised by social work administrators in their capacity as social and community service managers.

Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention

• Social Work and Disaster Management

• Disaster, Vulnerability and Risk

• Disaster Governance

• Community-based Interventions (Preparedness and Response)

• Psychosocial Care of Survivors

A specialisation in disaster, crisis, and intervention gives you the chance to learn how to think critically and deal with societal problems, disasters, and emergencies. Whether a gunman shoots shoppers in a mall or a Category 5 hurricane heads straight for a coastal city, professionals with DSW degrees are on the front line of putting plans into action to help people deal with the trauma.

Children, Families, and Couples

• Social Work with Families and Children

• Understanding the dynamics of the family system

• Child Development: Issues and Challenges

• Vulnerable children: policy and social work response.

• Family problems & social work response

Master's programmes with career-aligned clusters, like an MSW with a focus on children, families, and couples, prepare social workers to help families and couples deal with a wide range of emotional problems like sexual trauma, relationship problems, abuse, behavioural disorders, depression, and anxiety.

Subject

Book title

Author

Description

Social Work Education and Profession

Introduction to social work.

Skidmore, A. A., Thackeray, M. G. & Farley O. W.

This book teaches students about nature, philosophy, history, and how social work education and practice have changed over time.

Casework Practice in Social Work

Theory and practice of social casework

Hamilton, G.

This book provides knowledge about one of the most popular social work methods known as Casework.

Social Policy Analysis and Practice

Concept and Methods of Social Work

Walter A. Friedlander

The book talks about social work as a dynamic phenomenon that changes with time

Social Justice & Human Rights in Social Work Practice

Castes old & New Essay in Social Stratification

André Béteille

The book talks about social stratification and how caste in India fits in the same framework.

Social Action and Social Movements

Human Society, New York

Davis K

This book concerns itself with social systems and how society evolves over time.

1

Tata Institute of Social Sciences

2

Jamia Millia Islamia

3

Delhi University

4

IGNOU Delhi - Indira Gandhi National Open University

5

MSU Baroda - the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

6

Christ University, Bangalore

7

Manipal University

8

Integral University, Lucknow

9

Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurgaon

10

Calicut University