B.A. (Hons.) in Social Work with specialization in Rural Development

The B.A. (Hons.) in Social Work, with Specialisation in Rural Development, programme aims to build commitment and competency in facilitating participatory change and transformation in rural areas at the level of individuals, groups and communities; in government and non-government organisations (NGOs); and in law and policy. The programme is expected to shape personnel competent to develop and implement rural development programmes independently.

Keeping this objective in mind, the main areas identified for learning are:
-Programme and process skills through integrated practice
-Understanding of the rural context (ecological, economic, social, cultural and political)
-Orientation to development; government policies and programmes; the voluntary sector
-Skills in communication; working with individuals, families and groups; community organisation and action; project/ programme planning, baseline assessment, evaluation and administration; research, advocacy and networking
-Orientation to macro-micro development linkages.

Medium of Instruction:
The medium of instruction is Hindi and English. The students may write their assignments and examination in any of these 2 languages, that is English and Hindi.

Teaching Method:
We believe that learning by doing is an extremely crucial aspect of the teaching-learning praxis of adult learners. Therefore, the methods of training are participatory in nature and learner-centred. Our teaching methods involve classroom teaching, lecture method, fieldwork exposure, group discussions, social work laboratory sessions, and role-plays.

Semester-wise Listing of Courses
Semester I
- History and Philosophy of Social Work
- Human Growth and Development
- Gender Analysis
- Society: Structure, Culture and Change - I
- Environment and Development
- Introduction to Computer Applications - I
- Language I: English Proficiency
- Life Skills - I
- Social Work Methods Laboratory - I

Semester II
- Rural Economy of India
- Society: Structure, Culture and Change - II
- Working with Individuals and Families
- Working with Groups
- Community Organisation/Work - I
- Language I: English Proficiency
- Life Skills - II
- Introduction to Computer Applications - II
- Social Work Methods Laboratory - II

Semester III
- Political Economy of Rural Development
- Agriculture and Allied Activities - I
- Education: Policies and Programmes
- Health: Policies and Programmes
- Local Self-Governance: Policies and Programmes
- Language II: Creative Literature
- Community Organisation/Work - II
- Life Skills - II
- Social Work Methods Laboratory - III

Semester IV
- Social Welfare Administration
- Non-Farm Sector and Rural Poor
- Quantitative Research Methods in Social Work
- Language II: Creative Literature
- Life Skills - IV

Any three of the following Optional Courses:
i) Agriculture and Allied Activities - II
ii) Education: Skills
iii) Health: Skills
iv) Child Rights
v) Disability
vi) Social Accountability and Rural Development

Semester V
- Human Rights
- Social Action, Movements and Campaigns
- Management of Non-Governmental Organisations
- Law and Social Work - I
- Qualitative Research Methods in Social Work
- Communication and Analytical Skills
- Integrated Social Work Practice
- Social Work Seminar

Semester VI
Any three of the following Optional Courses:
i) Law and Social Work - II
ii) Social Harmony and Conflict
iii) Information Technology for Rural Development
iv) Disaster Management
v) Development Communication
vi) Training Methodology and Management