Master of Arts in Social Work (Community Organisation and Development Practice)

Description

Communities are at critical crossroads across the Global South. In a technology and market-driven process of development, the expanse of the marginalised and deprived sections of communities has increased. Those who have been historically disadvantaged, dispossessed of land, lack appropriate skills, quality education and/or other resources, are not able to benefit from the fruits of this “progress” and “development”. A critical analysis of the dynamics between the processes of marginalities and collective deprivation, and the macro processes of development and its trajectories has become very significant for informed practice with communities. Today, development practitioners require multiple perspectives to analyse and engage with present day complex realities of life and livelihoods. This necessitates capacity enhancement and development of newer strategies to serve the interests of disadvantaged populations. Further, understanding local situations and working with communities to address key concerns is as critical today as being able to see national and international connections of these very concerns in the globalising world.

The M.A. Social Work in Community Organisation and Development Practice (CODP) programme aims to blend a critical socio-political analysis of marginalities of communities with appropriate strategies and approaches in enabling the process of claiming their entitlements and rights. This programme envisages preparation of a cadre of development practitioners that could effectively respond to the contemporary concerns of marginalised communities and to promote people-centred development. The curriculum of CODP brings synergy across various components such as course work, field education and social research spread across four semesters. Graduates of M.A. Social Work in CODP find meaning in working in a range of rural and urban settings — government as well as non-governmental development organisations and projects, people’s organisations and movements, trade unions, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Some may also engage in self-initiated work in areas or on issues that require innovative approaches and strategies, as well as contribute to policy practice and advocacy.

The programme would comprise course work, field work, and a research project over the two years as essential and compulsory components. First year courses would largely be offered across the School; field work would also be across the various fields in the School. One course in the first semester and one in the second, would induct the student into CODP. The second year would be focused on the core area of the programme viz. Community Organisation and Development Practice anchored by the Centre for CODP. Some courses may be cross-listed across other Schools if possible.

Programme Objectives

• To develop appreciation of the centrality of community in experience of society, economy and polity and hence, of the significance of community mobilizing and organising across various contexts.
• To develop and strengthen understanding of varied approaches of development practice, and practice skills.
• To build understanding of the political economy of development, poverty and marginalization.
• To develop critical understanding of the connect between development contexts at the macro and micro levels.

Programme Outcomes

Today, development practitioners, whether at the starting level or already in the field require multiple perspectives to analyse and engage with these complex realities. This necessitates capacity enhancement and development of newer strategies to serve the interests of the disadvantaged populations. 

This programme envisages preparation of a cadre of development practitioners who could effectively respond to the contemporary concerns of marginalised communities. For this purpose, they would be equipped to integrate critical thinking and practical field experience so as to contribute into the process of social transformation.

Students will be trained to develop an understanding of, and engage with, the following:

• Community and social structure/ institutions
• Livelihoods and economic structure
• Exclusions based on gender/caste/religion/other identities
• Vulnerabilities related to livelihoods and development dynamics
• Governance structures and mechanisms: local self-governance (urban/rural)
• Social policies and institutional mechanisms

Semesterwise Courses:

Note:The curriculum structure is tentative and subject to change.

Fee Structure:

*Institute reserves the rights to revise the Fees Structure of programme if necessary.

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