Course

Unit 1

Understanding Community – Conceptualization and definitions, characteristics, types and functions. The concept of power and community power structures. Digital tools for mapping power analysis- ethical use, Community-level decision making. Leadership: Definitions, types and qualities.

Unit 2

An Overview of Theories and Models to Community Practice – Theories – Social systems – Human ecology – Human behavior. Models of community organization – Locality development – Social Planning – Social Action.

Unit 3

Community Organization – Conceptualization and definitions. Goal/objectives, scope. Values & Principles in Community organization. Community organization as a method of social work. Similarities and differences between Community organization and Community development. Stages/Phases of Community organization. Skills required in Community organization. Roles of a community organizer, Rights Based Practice. AI-assisted and human-verified community documentation.

Unit 4

Social Action – Conceptualization and definitions. Aim/objectives. Process and elements. Principles and approaches. Theoretical perspectives. Methods of Saul Alinsky and Paulo Freire [Conscientization]. Scope of social action in India. Strategies, Tactics and Techniques of Social Action- Digital Tools for Social Action. Role of social workers in social action.

Unit 5

Social Mobilization and Political Mobilization – Conceptualization, interactive process of social mobilization. Political mobilization as a social action strategy. Guiding principles for social mobilization. Cases related to political mobilization in India. Participatory approaches and digital tools for community engagement

Text Books / References

Textbooks:

1. AshmanKaren Kirst Hull Jr. Grafton H – (2001) Generalist Practice with organization & communities, United States, Brooks/Cole,
2. Ross,Murray & Lappin, Ben (1967) Community Organization: Theory, Principle and Practice, New York: Harper & Row
3. Gangrade,D (1971) Community Organization in India, Mumbai: Popular Prakashan.
4. Hardina,Donna (2000) Analytical Skills for Community Organization Practice, New Jersey: Prentice Hall
5. Siddiqui H.Y. (1997) Working with Communities: An Introduction to Community Work, Hira Publications.

Suggested Readings:

1. JudithLee (2001) The Empowerment Approach to Social Work Practice: Building The Beloved Community, Columbia Press
2. Sheeba Joseph, ,ommunity Organization in Social Work, Discovery Publishing House, 2016; ISBN-13: 978-9350563724.
3. Lakshmipathi Raju M.,Community Organization & Social Action: Social Work Methods and Practice,Regal Publications, 2012; ISBN-13: 978-8184841534.
4. Thomas William A, Christopher. AJ , Community Organisation and Social Action, Himalaya Publishing House; ISBN-13: 978-93-5142-995-1.
5. Ram A. Cnaan & Carl Milofsky, Handbook of Community Movements and Local Organizations in the 21st Century, Springer (Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature), 2018; Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-319-77415-2

This course focuses on Working with Communities as a core method of social work practice, emphasizing community organization and social action as pathways to empowerment, participation, and sustainable transformation. Students explore community power structures, leadership dynamics, and models of organizations that promote human dignity and collective wellbeing.

Course Objective: 

1. To understand the concept, characteristics, and dynamics of communities and community power structures.
2. To conceptualize community organization—its principles, values, stages, and skills—as a method of professional social work.
3. To examine key theories and models underpinning community practice, such as human ecology, systems theory, and social action models.
4. To understand the concept, process, and strategies of social action as an instrument of change and empowerment.
5. To learn and apply social and political mobilization as tools for participatory development and advocacy, aligned with human values, sustainability, and ethical reflection.

Course outcome:

1. Explain and analyze community structures, leadership patterns, and decision-making processes.
2. Apply the principles, values, and stages of community organization in field-based settings.
3. Evaluate and adapt community theories and models (locality development, social planning, and social action) to real-world contexts.
4. Design and implement social action strategies addressing inequality, justice, and sustainable development at the community level.
5. Demonstrate skills in social and political mobilization, integrating reflective practice, ethical reasoning, and responsible use of AI and digital tools in community work.

CO-PO Mapping: (Course Outcome and Program Outcome Mapping)