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

About this course

This course helps the students to grasp the social work practices within different theoretical traditions while intervening at both the micro and macro contexts. It seeks to prepare students to use theory in their roles as social workers. As a result, students are encouraged to use the classroom as a safe environment to debate "praxis" by linking theory to fieldwork activities. The need for practice frameworks in social work has been a cornerstone of professional development, as highlighted by Meyer (1970), Pincus and Minahan (1973), and Ramsay (1989, 1990). Building on foundational systems theory, the field has evolved to include systemic practice frameworks, emphasizing holistic and effective interventions. This course is designed to deepen students' understanding of integrated practice models, enhancing their ability to critically apply social work theories in diverse contexts. The course encourages students to analyze, evaluate, and create interventions through frameworks such as Person-in-Environment (PIE), crisis intervention, strengths-based approaches, solution-focused techniques, and multicultural practice models. By fostering higher-order thinking, students develop skills to assess client needs, design culturally responsive interventions, and engage in reflective practice.

Course objectives

• Explain and describe key social science theories and their relevance to social work practice at micro and macro levels.
• Understand the relevance of social work practice models in addressing the diverse needs of individuals, families, and communities.
• Analyze the applicability of Integrative Short-Term Treatment (ISTT) and Integrated Social Work Practice (ISWP) models in planning interventions for different target groups.
• Apply Integrated Social Work Practice (ISWP) Model and strength-based approaches in designing and implementing social work interventions.

Learning outcomes

• CO 161 Recall and explain key social science theories and describe their relevance to social work practice at micro and macro levels.
• CO 162 Apply integrated social work practice models, including Person-in-Environment (PIE), strengths-based, and crisis intervention frameworks, to develop culturally responsive interventions for individuals, families, and communities.
• CO 163 Analyze case studies and fieldwork experiences to evaluate the effectiveness of Integrative Short-Term Treatment (ISTT) and Integrated Social Work Practice (ISWP)
• CO 164 Develop a reflective seminar paper by identifying core field problems, integrating relevant social work theories, and designing appropriate interventions, adhering to professional standards of practice.

Unit I: Conventional Theories

• Overview of behavioral theories for social work:
• Psychodynamic, developmental, social behavioral and humanistic perspectives
• Introduction to systems theories for social workers;
• Ecological theory:
• Person in Environment perspective; Family systems theory: an overview
• Marxist theory as base for social work;
• Relevance of structural and radical social work in neo- liberal policy regimes

Essential readings

• Hutchison, E.D., and Charlesworth, L.W. (2003). Theoretical Perspectives On Human Behaviour, in Hutchison, E.D (ed.) Essentials of Human Behaviour: Integrating Person, Environment & life Course. Thousand Oaks: Sage, 34-69
• Karls, J.M., Lowery, C.T., Mattaini, M.A., and Wandrei, K.E. (1997). The Use of PIE System in Social Work. Journal of Social Work Education, 33 (1), 49-58
• Bob, M. (2006). The New Structural Social Work: Ideology, Theory and Practice (3rd Edition). London: Oxford University Press
• Ferguson, I., & Woodward, R. (2009). Radical social work in practice: Making the difference. London: Policy Press

Unit II: Models of Practice (Part-I)

• Critical theory for social work;
• Anti-oppressive social work: theoretical and conceptual overview
• Strength Based Practice: concept, approaches and framework for intervention

Essential readings

• Dominelli, L. (2002). Feminist Social Work: Theory and Practice. New York: Palgrave Macmillan
• Dominelli, L. (2002). Anti Oppressive Social Work Theory and Practice. New York: Palgrave Macmillan
• George, P., & Chaze, F. (2015). Challenging State’s authority and
• reclaiming citizenship. In N. Yu and D. Mandell (Eds.). Subversive social action: Extralegal and illegal action for social justice. Canada: WLU Press
• Bodhi, S.R. (2014). Towards a Theory of Dalit Social Work, Indian Journal of Dalit and Tribal Social Work, 2 (1), 28 -39

Unit III: Models of Practice (Part-II)

• ISWP Model- Client, Change Agent, Target, and Action System
• ISTT Model- Short-Term Practice Model in various settings
• Crisis Intervention

Essential readings

• Nadkarni, V. (2000). Interventions on Garbage Pollution Using Integrated Social Work Practice. Indian Journal of Social Work, 63 (3), 313-339
• Baron, S., and Stanley, T. (2019). Strengths-based approach: Practice Framework and Practice Handbook. London:

Unit IV: ISWP Seminar Paper

• Identifying a core issue from the field situation
• Applying appropriate social work theory/ perspective along with practice
• Modalities and standards of practice
• Documenting field practice and developing a reflective seminar paper

Essential readings

• Gilgun J.F. (2015) Research and Theory Building in Social Work, in the International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences: Second Edition, pp. 502-507.