About the Department

The academic subject of social work encompasses both classroom teaching and fieldwork practice. Social work education requires both learning in the classroom and doing in the field. Both learning opportunities play a crucial role in transforming a social work student into an effective service professional. Many universities have laid their emphasis towards the growth of social work education in the professional social work courses, right from the beginning. 

The Department of Studies in Social Work at the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) commenced its journey in the academic year 2023-24, propelled by a visionary mission to extend the reach of social work across the state. With a steadfast commitment to quality education, the department aims to excel in Social Work. It is dedicated to delivering superior education through open and distance learning, employing a multifaceted approach and comprehensive services to connect with marginalized communities. Emphasizing social work values and ethics, the department endeavors to enhance services in social welfare sectors, fostering positive impacts on society. The course involves field work practicum, Orientation visits (developmental organizations/hospitals/industries and communities) Rural camp (one week), Summer Placement (20 days), Dissertation (Research Project), Block Placement/Internship (one month), Seminars/Workshops etc. as per the Social Work Curriculum. 

 Vision and Mission 

• To contribute to building a new social order based on human dignity and social justice.
• To work with a preferential option for the vulnerable and exploited, both locally and globally.
• To build a cadre of young, competent professionals having a global perspective and a strong value base of compassion, personal integrity, moderation, tolerance and self-respect.

Objectives 

• • Facilitate an understanding of the history and context of the communities and societies within which we operate.
  • Develop an understanding of the dynamics of poverty and human development at both a local and global level, and how they affect different social groups.
  • Acquire knowledge of the dynamics of state and civil society organizations in the context of transnational influences.
  • Develop abilities to develop and implement effective, people-oriented interventions to alleviate the miseries of marginalized populations, and develop abilities to conduct practical research on social phenomena and issues.
  • Develop an affection for the principles of social justice, human dignity, tolerance, and respect for others in a variety of societies.
  • Develop sensitivity towards vulnerable sections of the population and recognize and uphold their right to participate in governance and self-determination.

• Develop a code of ethics that is respectful to both yourself and society, and make a commitment to all aspects of work.