Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) Life Skills Education Syllabus - Mumbai University

About this course

The course on Life Skills Education is designed to meet the needs of undergraduate learners of Skill Enhancement. As recognized and listed by the World Health Organization, Life skills have become an essential component of curriculum not only in the field of Education but also across a range of industries around the world. Its inclusion in the course work encourages learners to develop their emotional, social and thinking skills which include and are not limited to self- awareness, human emotions, management of stress and anger, empathy, mindfulness and self- esteem, decision making, goal setting and time management, civic skills and social responsibility, cultural awareness and respecting diversity and gender roles.

Course objectives

• Providing conceptual clarity about life skills, their significance and encourage their practice in daily life.
• Presenting the three components of life skills (social, emotional and critical & creative thinking) relevant to social workers and various client groups, to build on these aspects of their behavior.
• Motivate learners to not only learn and practice life skills for their self, but also to train stakeholders and client groups to practice them in life.

Learning outcomes

• CO 61 Critically reflect on the need for and importance of applying the core life skills in service user’s life.
• CO 62 Analyze the identification and measurement of the level of their core life skills.
• CO 63 Apply the core life skills in their personal, family, professional and social life.
• CO 64 Evaluate the impact of application of the core life skills in their personal, family, professional and social life.

Unit I: Significance of Life Skills Education

• Definition, Concept and Importance of Life Skills Education: Contributing to personal, professional growth and to society at large- Values and Citizenship in terms of civic participation, responsible citizenship, peace and harmony anchored in SDGS.
• WHO's 10 Life Skills Components (Social Emotional- Thinking).
• Relevance of Life Skills Education for Social Work Professionals.

Essential readings

• Carroll Deborah (1997). Teaching Your Children Life Skills. New York: Berkley Books.
• Central Board of Secondary Education (2010). Teacher's manual on Life Skills for classes - IXX [Manual], Delhi.
• Karen, D. G., & Eastwood A. (2008). (8th Edn.), Psychology for living adjustment, growth and behavior today, New Delhi: Pearson Education Inc.

Unit II: Key Life Skills

• Understanding oneself in the world around.
• Managing one’s emotions/ feelings
• Coping with Stress
• Building good Interpersonal relationships
• Effective communication
• Empathy & Compassion
• Critical thinking
• Creative thinking
• Problem solving and decision making

Essential readings

• Self Help Foundation (2022). Emotional Intelligence and Social Skills: The ability to perceive, control, and evaluate emotions. Applications In private and social life. SSN Books.
• Johnston, V. S., & New Mexico State U. (1999). Why we feel: The science of human emotions. Cambridge, USA: Perseus Publishing.
• Tom Chatfield (2017). Critical Thinking: Your Guide to Effective Argument, Successful Analysis and Independent Study. Sage Publications
• De Bono Edward (2010). Lateral Thinking: A Textbook of Creativity. UK: Penguin Publishers.