• Develop an understanding of the growth and development of social work in India.
• Discuss the social work education and practice adopted by the schools of social work in India today.
• Develop a deeper understanding of the various health and social issues and challenges in India.
• Observe and understand the governmental and non-governmental initiatives for social development in Kerala, India.
• Assess the role of social work in addressing social issues.
• Observe and understand the initiatives taken by Rajagiri College of Social Sciences for social development in Kerala.

This course is designed to introduce students to international social work practice abroad. Students develop knowledge and skills in culturally competent approaches to effectively enhance assets and empower individuals, families, groups, agencies, and communities within an international context, specifically within developing countries. This course provides a beginning knowledge base for international social work practice from a collaborative perspective with emphasis on reciprocity with the host culture, to address the challenges of human rights, poverty, child abuse and neglect, mental illness, HIV/AIDS, community development, and environmental justice.

SWK 450/650 Syllabus

SWK 450/650 Bibliography

The next trip is planned for January 2015, including the International Social Work Conference.

Tentative Schedule

• Attend the International Social Work Conference for 4 days.
• Travel to the Amrita Ashram
• Tour the Backwaters
• Provide service-learning in orphanages.
• Attend classes in India with other Rajagiri College Social Work majors.

Rajagiri College of Social Sciences was established in Kochi in 1955. The School of Social Work was one of the pioneering institutions in South India, establishing programs and setting the standards for the field. Rajagiri has successfully established and maintained an atmosphere of learning and the highest level of academic performance by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities. International partnerships have been established with great social work institutions across the globe. This allows the College, the faculty, and the students at Rajagiri to become truly global, with graduates working internationally.

• Amrita University
• Rajagiri College of Social Sciences
• St. Alphonsa Pilgrimage
• Republic of India
• Information about India
• The World Factbook: India