*Core Course Structure* 

*Year 1: Introduction to Social Work* 

1. *Introduction to Social Work* 

   - History, values, and ethics of social work. 

   - Roles of social workers in diverse settings (child welfare, healthcare, community development). 

   - Textbook: Introduction to Social Work by Charles Zastrow. 

2. *Human Behaviour and the Social Environment (HBSE)* 

   - Theories of human development across the lifespan (Erikson, Piaget, Bronfenbrenner). 

   - Impact of social systems (family, culture, institutions) on behaviour. 

3. *Social Welfare Policy and Services* 

   - Evolution of social welfare systems (U.S. or country-specific). 

   - Key policies: Social Security, Medicaid, child protection laws. 

4. *Diversity and Social Justice* 

   - Addressing oppression, privilege, and intersectionality (race, gender, class, disability). 

   - Case studies on marginalized populations. 

*Year 2: Social Work Practice & Skills* 

1. *Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families* 

   - Interviewing techniques, assessment tools, and case management. 

   - Trauma-informed care and crisis intervention strategies. 

2. *Social Work Practice with Groups* 

   - Group dynamics, facilitation skills, and therapeutic approaches. 

   - Applications in schools, rehab centres, and community groups. 

3. *Research Methods for Social Work* 

   - Quantitative and qualitative research design. 

   - Needs assessments, program evaluation, and ethical research practices. 

4. *Mental Health and Substance Use* 

   - Overview of DSM-5 disorders, addiction theories, and treatment models. 

   - Role of social workers in mental health settings. 

*Year 3: Specialized Practice & Policy* 

1. *Social Work in Healthcare* 

   - Medical social work, palliative care, and navigating healthcare systems. 

   - Ethical dilemmas in healthcare settings. 

2. *Child and Family Welfare* 

   - Child protection laws, foster care systems, and family preservation strategies. 

   - Working with survivors of domestic violence. 

3. *Community Organizing and Advocacy* 

   - Grassroots movements, policy advocacy, and resource mobilization. 

   - Case study: Campaigns for housing rights or racial justice. 

4. *Electives*: Choose one: 

   - *Aging and Gerontological Social Work* 

   - *School Social Work* 

   - *Criminal Justice and Social Work* 

*Year 4: Advanced Practice & Fieldwork* 

1. *Field Practicum I & II* 

   - *Practicum I (Semester 1) *: 300+ hours in a supervised setting (e.g., nonprofit, hospital, school). 

   - *Practicum II (Semester 2) *: Advanced 400+ hours with increased autonomy and complex cases. 

2. *Social Work Ethics and Legal Issues* 

   - NASW Code of Ethics, confidentiality, and legal responsibilities. 

   - Managing ethical dilemmas (e.g., client rights vs. safety). 

3. *Capstone Project* 

   - Design and implement a community-based intervention or policy proposal. 

   - Present findings to faculty and stakeholders. 

4. *Electives*: 

   - *Global Social Work* 

   - *Trauma and Resilience* 

   - *Social Work in Disaster Response* 

*Key Textbooks* 

- Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills by Dean Hepworth et al. 

- The Social Work Skills Workbook by Barry Cournoyer 

- Empowerment Series: Understanding Human Behaviour and the Social Environment by Charles Zastrow 

- Days in the Lives of Social Workers by Linda May Grobman 

*Fieldwork Requirements* 

- *Total Hours*: 700–900 hours (spread over Years 3–4). 

- *Settings*: Schools, hospitals, NGOs, government agencies, or mental health clinics. 

- *Supervision*: Licensed social workers mentor students in applied practice. 

*Assessment Methods* 

- Exams (20%) 

- Case studies and reflective journals (25%) 

- Research projects/policy analysis (25%) 

- Fieldwork evaluations and capstone (30%)