Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) Social Work Practice with Groups Syllabus - Mumbai University 2026

About this course

This course enables students to learn about group work as a method of social work practice utilising various group processes influencing psychosocial functioning of diverse client groups both at individual and group level. Emphasis is placed on learning about the growth of groups, and five stages of group development, which every group passes through. The role of social worker is emphasised in analysing the quality of group experiences and also towards guiding the group interaction patterns which constitute the main bedrock of group work practice fostering empowerment of groups and its group members.

Course objectives

• Appreciate the significance of group work as a context of practice towards fostering relationships and achieve personal, social, environmental or political change
• Analyse group’s interaction and progress in a way to maximise the opportunity to change, growth and development that group work can offer
• Understand different principles of working with groups;
• Develop ability to use interpersonal skills to deal with emerging dynamics in the groups

Learning outcomes

• CO 81 Appreciate significance of group work as a context of practice
• CO 82 State the various types of groups- treatment, task and social action groups
• CO 83 Critically reflect upon group interaction patterns evolving through various stages of group development
• CO 84 Apply various ethical aspects while working with diverse groups

Unit I: Group Work as a method of social work

• Primary, Secondary and Territory Groups- differentiation; Group Work as a context of practice and method of social work- theory, definition and principles
• Types of Groups in Group Work- Treatment groups: Socialization Groups, Therapeutic Groups, Educational, Growth, Remedial groups
• Task Oriented Groups: Teams, Committees and social action groups
• Developmental Groups: Self- help Groups and Support Groups, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Action groups

Essential readings

• Siddiqui, H.Y (2021) Group Work Theories and Practices, Rawat Publications, New Delhi.
• Furman, R. Rowan, D & Bender, K (2009). An Experiential Approach to Group Work. Lyceum Books, Inc. Chicago Illinios.
• Gavin, C. D., Gutirerrez, L. M., and Galinski, M. J. (2007) Handbook of Social Work with Groups. Rawat Publications, New Delhi
• Srivastava, Alka (2004) Self Help Groups and Civil Society: A Preliminary Study. Indian Social Institute, New Delhi.

Unit II: Group Development and Process Group Processes

• Stages of group development- Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning
• Skill-set: Rapport building, Identification of needs,
• Developing need-based sessions-conducting sessions
• Communication & interaction patterns- Johari window
• Decision making in groups
• Group dynamics & conflict management
• Leadership styles
• Functional & dysfunctional role of members
• Role of group worker Recording in Group work
• Workshop on Facilitation Skills for Group Workers

Essential readings

• Misra, P.D & Misra, Bina (2008). Social Group Work. New Royal Book Company, New Delhi.
• Mujawar, R. (2019). Social Group and Social Case Work: Theory and Practice. Ishika Publishing House, Jaipur.
• Urania, G & Len, Kates (1990). Group Work: A Humanistic Approach. Sage Publications, New Delhi
• Forsyth, Donelson R. (2010) Group Dynamics (5th Edition) Wadsworth Cengage learning
• Samuel, Miriam., A Prince, S Prince B., Sudharsan, S. (2019) Nurturing Environment for Children. India Social Institute, New Delhi.
• Srivastava, Alka. (2008) A Journey Towards Enlightenment: Life Enrichment Education- A Strategy for Women’ Empowerment. Indian Social Institute, New Delhi.