Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for Sabarmati University Ahmedabad's Social Work program is meticulously designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social work principles, theories, and practices. The program spans four years and includes a blend of theoretical coursework, practical training, and research opportunities that prepare students for effective professional practice.
Course Structure by Semester
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SW-101 | Introduction to Social Work | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | SW-102 | Human Behavior and Social Environment | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | SW-103 | Social Work Practice I | 2-0-2-4 | - |
| 1 | SW-104 | Research Methods in Social Work | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | SW-105 | Introduction to Sociology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | SW-106 | Psychology of Human Development | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | SW-201 | Social Work Practice II | 2-0-2-4 | SW-103 |
| 2 | SW-202 | Community Organization and Development | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | SW-203 | Child Welfare and Family Services | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | SW-204 | Mental Health and Counseling | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | SW-205 | Social Policy and Administration | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | SW-206 | Introduction to Social Justice and Human Rights | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | SW-301 | Social Work Practice III | 2-0-2-4 | SW-201 |
| 3 | SW-302 | Advanced Social Work Research | 2-0-0-2 | SW-104 |
| 3 | SW-303 | Women's Empowerment and Gender Justice | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | SW-304 | Elder Care and Aging Services | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | SW-305 | Environmental Justice and Climate Change | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | SW-306 | International Development and Humanitarian Assistance | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | SW-401 | Social Work Practice IV | 2-0-2-4 | SW-301 |
| 4 | SW-402 | Capstone Project in Social Work | 4-0-0-4 | SW-302 |
| 4 | SW-403 | Policy Analysis and Advocacy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | SW-404 | Social Work Ethics and Professional Values | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 4 | SW-405 | Community Development Project | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | SW-406 | Field Practicum | 6-0-0-6 | - |
Detailed Course Descriptions
Advanced Social Work Research (SW-302) is a course designed to provide students with sophisticated research skills necessary for evidence-based social work practice. The course covers both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including experimental design, survey methods, ethnography, and case study analysis. Students learn to develop research proposals, collect data, analyze findings, and communicate results effectively.
The course emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in research, particularly when working with vulnerable populations. Students are exposed to various research ethics frameworks and learn how to obtain informed consent, protect confidentiality, and ensure the welfare of research participants. The curriculum includes hands-on experience with research tools and software such as SPSS, NVivo, and qualitative analysis platforms.
Students engage in collaborative research projects that address real-world social issues. These projects often involve partnerships with local NGOs, government agencies, or international organizations, providing students with practical experience in conducting field research and applying research findings to inform policy and practice.
Social Work Practice III (SW-301) builds upon the foundational knowledge acquired in earlier semesters by introducing more complex social work interventions. The course focuses on advanced case management techniques, group work methods, and community organizing strategies. Students learn to conduct comprehensive assessments of individuals and families, develop intervention plans, and evaluate outcomes.
This course emphasizes the importance of cultural competency in practice, particularly when working with diverse populations. Students explore various cultural perspectives and learn to adapt their interventions to meet the unique needs of different communities. The curriculum includes training in trauma-informed care, crisis management, and conflict resolution techniques.
The course also addresses ethical dilemmas that arise in social work practice. Students examine professional codes of conduct, legal frameworks governing social work practice, and strategies for navigating complex situations involving multiple stakeholders.
Women's Empowerment and Gender Justice (SW-303) is a comprehensive course that explores the intersection of gender, power, and social justice. The course examines how gender inequality manifests in various contexts and how social workers can contribute to creating more equitable societies.
Students explore feminist theories of social change, examine gender-based violence, and learn about reproductive health issues and women's rights. The curriculum includes discussions on economic empowerment, political participation, and the role of education in advancing gender equality. Students also study international frameworks for gender justice, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
The course emphasizes practical applications through community-based learning opportunities. Students engage with local women's organizations, government agencies, and advocacy groups to understand how gender issues are addressed in practice. This experiential component allows students to develop skills in program design, community mobilization, and policy advocacy.
Elder Care and Aging Services (SW-304) addresses the complex needs of aging populations and their families. The course covers gerontology, age-related health issues, long-term care planning, and end-of-life services. Students learn about the physical, psychological, and social aspects of aging and develop skills to provide comprehensive support for elderly individuals.
The curriculum includes exposure to various models of elder care, including home-based care, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. Students examine policies related to senior citizens' rights, healthcare access, and financial security. The course also addresses the challenges of dementia care, grief counseling, and family dynamics in aging populations.
Students gain practical experience through clinical placements with elderly care organizations and community centers. These experiences allow students to develop skills in assessment, intervention, and advocacy for elderly individuals and their families. The course emphasizes the importance of maintaining dignity and quality of life for older adults while addressing their specific needs.
Environmental Justice and Climate Change (SW-305) examines the relationship between environmental issues and social inequality. The course explores how environmental degradation affects vulnerable populations and how social workers can contribute to creating sustainable solutions.
Students learn about climate change impacts, pollution control, resource management, and community resilience building. The curriculum includes discussions on sustainable development, green economy, and renewable energy initiatives. Students examine case studies of environmental justice movements and analyze successful strategies for addressing environmental challenges.
The course emphasizes the role of social workers in promoting environmental awareness and advocating for policy changes that address climate change impacts. Students develop skills in conducting environmental assessments, designing community education programs, and engaging stakeholders in sustainable development efforts.
International Development and Humanitarian Assistance (SW-306) provides students with global perspectives on social work practice. The course covers international aid programs, emergency response systems, and cross-cultural communication in humanitarian settings.
Students examine the causes and consequences of poverty, conflict, and displacement in different contexts. The curriculum includes exposure to international development frameworks, humanitarian principles, and cross-cultural communication strategies. Students learn about disaster preparedness, refugee support systems, and post-conflict recovery processes.
The course emphasizes practical applications through case studies of international development projects and humanitarian interventions. Students engage with global organizations such as UN agencies, NGOs, and international development banks to understand how social work principles are applied in different cultural contexts.
Project-Based Learning Approach
The Social Work program at Sabarmati University Ahmedabad emphasizes project-based learning as a core component of student education. This approach recognizes that effective social work practice requires students to engage with real-world challenges and develop practical solutions.
The program includes mandatory mini-projects in the second and third years, followed by a comprehensive final-year capstone project. These projects provide students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to actual social problems while developing research, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Mini-projects are typically completed in groups of 3-5 students and focus on specific community issues or policy challenges. Students work under faculty supervision to design research questions, collect data, analyze findings, and propose interventions. These projects often result in presentations to local communities, government officials, or NGO partners.
The final-year capstone project represents the culmination of students' learning experiences. Students select a topic of personal interest or community need, conduct independent research, and develop a comprehensive intervention plan. The project requires extensive literature review, data collection, stakeholder engagement, and evaluation of outcomes.
Faculty mentors are assigned to each student group to provide guidance throughout the project process. Mentors help students refine their research questions, select appropriate methodologies, and ensure ethical standards are maintained. Students also receive training in project management, presentation skills, and academic writing.
The evaluation criteria for projects include originality of approach, depth of analysis, practical relevance, ethical considerations, and demonstration of learning outcomes. Projects are assessed by faculty panels that include both internal and external experts in the field of social work.