Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne
College of Health and Human Services
Department of Nursing
NUR 30900 Transcultural Healthcare
Syllabus, Example from a Previous Term
Course Description:
Transcultural Healthcare focuses on diverse cultural perspectives in heath and illness. Culturally
competent care that is humanistic, holistic, and respectful of diverse values, beliefs, and
practices is examined. Similarities and differences that influence health promotion,
maintenance, and restoration across the lifespan are reviewed on select cultural and religious
groups.
Pre- or Co-requisite:
None.
Dates/Times:
August 26-December 22, 2013.
Set Meetings:
Each week of this fully online class begins on a Monday, and ends on Sunday at 11:59 PM, with
the exception of exam week which ends on a Friday at 11:59 PM.
Course Credits and Hours:
3 credits (45 hours of in-class time at Blackboard Learn; estimate 3 hours of online class time
and 3-4 hours to study per week)
Room:
This course is accessed through Blackboard Learn which is our IPFW electronic campus.
Important: (1) After you log into Blackboard Learn, look for NUR 30900 Transcultural
Healthcare on your list of courses. Click the course name to enter the course site to find all your
course directions, activities, and assignments. (2) Go to Online Learning for tutorials on online
learning, how to set up your computer, and links to technical help.
Faculty Instructor Information:
Instructor: Katrina Kessler MS RN.
Online Office: Available throughout the term at the Blackboard Learn course site for NUR
30900. Students should post questions of general interest any time in the Online Office in
Blackboard Learn; replies also will be posted here so that all students can see the answers.
This office is checked frequently during the week and students will usually receive a reply to
messages within 48 hours. If the nature of a question or concern is more personal or a student
is not comfortable having classmates see a message, the student should use another means of
communication.
Campus Office: Office Liberal Arts Building 329A; Students who wish to have a meeting with the
instructor at the campus office should request an appointment date and time.
Phone: (260) 481-4168. When leaving a message at the office phone, students should make
sure to also leave a call back number or email contact for the instructor.
Email: Use Blackboard Learn Send Email. If Blackboard goes down, then use
kesslerk@ipfw.edu.
Instructor: Sarah Beckman MSN RN.
Online Office: Available throughout the term at the Blackboard Learn course site for NUR
30900. Students should post questions of general interest any time in the Online Office in
Blackboard Learn; replies also will be posted here so that all students can see the answers.
This office is checked frequently during the week and students will usually receive a reply to
messages within 48 hours. If the nature of a question or concern is more personal or a student
is not comfortable having classmates see a message, the student should use another means of
communication.
Campus Office: Office Liberal Arts Building 309C. Students who wish to have a meeting with the
instructor at the campus office should request an appointment date and time.
Phone: (260) 481-6274. When leaving a message at the office phone, students should make
sure to also leave a call back number or email contact for the instructor.
Email: Use Blackboard Learn Send Email. If Blackboard goes down, then use
beckmans@ipfw.edu.
Learning Outcomes:
After completion of the course, the successful student will be able to accomplish the following
learning outcomes. These outcomes are cross-referenced with the General Education (GE) and
Baccalaureate Framework (BF) requirements also described following this list of objectives.
Course Objective 1. Explore various sociocultural models as a basis for integrating culture
and healthcare. (GE 5.5; BF 2);
Course Objective 2. Examine differences and similarities of cultural phenomena for major
cultural groups. (GE 5.5; BF 2);
Course Objective 3. Discuss implications of specific transcultural healthcare issues for
current and future health care practice and research (GE 5.5; BF 2, 3, 4, 6);
Course Objective 4. Examine the importance of the interpersonal process when relating to
individuals and family members who have a culture different than the health care provider.
(GE 5.5; BF 3);
Course Objective 5. Evaluate the effects of variation between one’s own value and belief
system and belief systems of other persons, particularly as these have implications for
delivery of health care. (GE 5.6; BF 2, 3, 4, 5);
Course Objective 6. Apply the principles of critical thinking to compare and contrast cultural
beliefs. (GE 1.1, 1.5, 5.6; BF 1, 4, 5);
Course Objective7: Write a scholarly report that uses APA format and documentation styles
while controlling tone, syntax, grammar, and spelling. (GE 1.1, 1.5, 5.6; BF 1, 5).
These course objectives align with the following General Education learning outcomes.
Written Communication
1.1 Produce texts that use appropriate formats, genre conventions, and documentation
styles while controlling tone, syntax, grammar, and spelling. (Course Objectives 6-7.)
1.5 Develop, assert and support a focused thesis with appropriate reasoning and adequate
evidence (Course Objectives 6-7).
Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing
5.5 Recognizing the extent and impact of diversity among individuals, cultures, or societies
in contemporary or historical contexts. (Course Objectives 1-4.)
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5.6 Identify examples of how social, behavioral, or historical knowledge informs and can
shape personal, ethical, civic, or global decisions and responsibilities. (Course Objectives 57.)
As expected in our IPFW Baccalaureate Program, student success in achieving these course
objectives and learning outcomes will include the following competencies from the
Baccalaureate Framework (BF). Student progress will depend on how well they demonstrate
these competencies in their course activities and assignments.
1. Information-seeking and technological skills (Course Objectives 6-7);
2. Application of knowledge to real-world transcultural issues (Course Objectives 1-5);
3. Personal integrity and ethics (Course Objectives 3-5 and 7);
4. Commitment to the learning community in this course and our larger community with
mutual respect across multiple cultures and perspectives (Course Objectives 3, 5, and
6);
5. Critical thinking and problem solving, with reasoning and evidence (Course Objectives 5,
6, and 7); and
6. Articulate communication (Course Objectives 3 and 7).
Topical Outline:
1. Explore various sociocultural models
2. Self-exploration of one’s own culture and belief system
3. Examine a variety of ethnic cultures
4. Examine various cultures including vulnerable populations
5. Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and competence.
Methods of Instruction:
This is a distance-learning course allowing students access to the course information with
flexibility of location and study schedule. Blackboard Learn provides access to readings, lecture,
multimedia, and threaded discussion. The instructor provides guidance and feedback. However,
the methods of instruction in this course require students to actively participate in discussions,
improve their work from feedback on written assignments, complete library and Internet
searches, use multimedia resources such as presentation software for study tutorials and online
video presentations, and stay on schedule with activities and assignments. This course
includes:
 Online presentation;
 Discussions with classmates;
 Written assignments;
 Quizzes and exams;
 Field trip that will be self-directed;
 Assigned readings and analysis.
Course Requirements:
Required Texts and Materials:
Purnell, L. (2013). Transcultural health care a culturally competent approach (4th ed.).
Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis.
VandenBos, G.R., Gasque, A.W., & Jackson, P. (Eds.). (2010). Publication manual of the
American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological
Association.
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Children’s Mercy Family Health Partners. (2010). Cross-cultural health care resource guide.
Kansas City, MO: Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics and Children’s Mercy Family
Health Partners. Available at
http://www.fhp.org/fhpdocs/CrossCulturalResourceGuide.pdf
Other Required Educational Materials:
Articles, web resources, and study materials posted at the Blackboard course site for NUR
30900, and research articles available through the IPFW Helmke Library databases and
scholarly Internet sites.
Storage Media for Assignments:
Instructions for viewing audio and video materials will be posted at the course web site. In
general, use of the most up-to-date Firefox browser will work best and students should plan to
download this browser, as well as a second browser such as Google Chrome. Students
unfamiliar with how to do these tasks and who want guidance with browser downloads and
updates, should contact IT Services for help at helpdesk@ipfw.edu, phone 260-481-6030, or
Kettler Building Room 206.
Assignments
Weekly learning activities, quizzes, and two cumulative exams will be accessible online. Most
items will be multiple choice, but students will find other kinds of questions as well from time to
time. Online question delivery will be one item at a time in which questions must be answered in
the order given. A student cannot return to a previous question once it has been viewed,
whether or not it has been answered. Exams will have time limits.
Students can earn points as listed below.
20 points: Online Introduction Discussion Forum;
200 points: My Story (self-culture assignment);
30 points: Family Tree;
250 points: Cultural Interview and Assessment Paper;
50 points: Cultural Interview and Assessment Discussion Forum;
Pass or Fail: Cultural Assessment Project Reflection Paper;
150 points: Weekly Quizzes;
200 points: Exams cumulative at 100 points each;
100 points: Cultural Field Trip Report
Pass or Fail: ePortfolio Project
1000 points: Total Possible Points
Students should keep in mind the need for keeping copies of assignments in their electronic
portfolio, as required for the undergraduate nursing program.
Evaluation Methods
Quality of work will be assessed according to the learning outcomes and expectations
expressed in the earlier section of this syllabus entitled Learning Outcomes.
Pass or Fail:
Students must pass the Cultural Assessment Project Reflection Paper and the ePortfolio
Project in order to pass the course.
Criteria:
All work will be evaluated for quality of content, communication, and presentation. Content
must address the course objectives, reflect critical thinking, use evidence and reasoning,
and reflect APA style.
Late Assignments:
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Ten percent (10%) will be deducted if an assignment is submitted late with an additional
10% deducted for each week the assignment is late. Assignments will not be accepted if
more than two weeks late, and the student will receive a score of zero (0) for the
assignment.
Emergencies:
Family emergencies will happen. Prevent late submission of work by planning ahead for
assignment due dates. If unforeseen problems occur, you MUST contact the instructor
BEFORE the assignment is due to get consideration of full credit.
Clinical and Simulation Requirements
Not required for this course. Students will, however, complete a self-directed field-work
assignment.
Nursing Student Spectacular:
The Student Spectacular for this semester will be held on XXXXX in Walb Memorial Union.
Attendance at this event is required. Please dress in business casual style (no jeans).
Department Announcements:
Students are responsible for monitoring Blackboard and the IPFW e-mail for department
announcements.
Course Policies
Communication:
The official university communication is by IPFW email using the university student email
address. Email includes information sent to the nursing listserv. Students’ must maintain the
mailbox, including sufficient space to receive emails. Students are responsible for information
sent via email.
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Online Office: I check this office regularly and do my best to respond to messages within
24 hours on weekdays; it may take longer on weekends.
Course Discussions: Communicate early and often to get and give the most in the class
discussion forums. What you say matters. Engage what you know, use examples from
professional and personal experiences, and explain your reasoning. What do you think
and why? Do not fear expressing what you do not know, too, because this can give other
classmates a chance to respond. It is called a forum because it is a place where all can
ask and answer questions.
Course Email: I do my best to respond to email within 24 hours on weekdays. I will
occasionally respond on a weekend, but most likely will not until Monday. I prefer you
email me using Blackboard email (vs. my IPFW account) unless the system is down or
you are unable to login.
Voice Mail: Due to my course assignments and service commitments, it may take
several days for me to retrieve and respond to a voice mail. If you do not get a response
to voice mail within 24 hours, please send me an email.
No Text Messages: The Department of Nursing does not permit text messages for
communication in this course.
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism
Students are preparing for a career in which punctuality, dependability, attentiveness, honesty,
and professionalism are expected at all times. Deficiencies in any of these areas can affect
grades and continued participation in the Department of Nursing program.
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One concern that often arises with online courses in particular is the opportunity cheat in a
special way called plagiarism. According to the American Psychological Association (2010),
plagiarism is the representation of another author's work as your own work. “The key element of
this principle is that authors do not present the work of another author as if it were their own
work” (p. 16). In other words, originality matters. If you think through knowledge found and
apply thinking strategies to evaluate and integrate knowledge from others into your own ideas,
you should not have a problem with plagiarism. It is that simple.
The Plagiarism Policy of the Department of Nursing indicates that any student who plagiarizes
has committed academic dishonesty and misconduct, which may lead to dismissal from the
program or college. Any student, who has been identified to have plagiarized, will receive a zero
for that assignment.
VandenBos, G.R., Gasque, A.W., & Jackson, P., (Eds.). (2010). Publication manual of the
American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological
Association.
Undergraduate Grading Scale
92 – 100 % (A);
84 – 91 % (B);
75 – 83 % (C);
66 – 74 % (D);
65 and below (F).
Rounding: To pass a nursing course, the student must achieve 75% on exams without rounding.
Example: a grade of 74.9% will be recorded as 74%.
Points equivalency for grading:
920 – 1000 points (A);
840 – 919 points (B);
750 – 839 points (C);
660 – 749 points (D);
Less than 660 points (F).
Licensure Requirement:
Students must have a 2.0 grade-point average to be eligible for graduation and to take the
National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Purdue University is on a 4.0 scale.
Student Conduct and Professionalism:
You are preparing for a career in which punctuality, dependability, attentiveness, and
professionalism are expected at all times. Therefore attendance at lectures is expected, as is
preparation, participation, attentiveness, and respect for others. Such traits are indicators of how
you may be expected to behave in a working environment and will be noted by the instructor.
Deficiencies in any of these areas can affect your grade or continued participation in the
program.
Please refer to the Department of Nursing, Professional Misconduct Policy found in the
Department of Nursing Student Information Manual Undergraduate Nursing Programs.
Clinical Absence and Tardiness:
In the case of illness or emergency that results in the student needing to miss clinical, it is the
student’s responsibility to inform the instructor and/or the clinical agency of absence according
to the course guidelines. Attendance is required in all clinicals. Clinical absence must be made
up. Repeated tardiness or not calling in for absence may result in clinical failure for
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unprofessional behavior. See the Absence Policy and Tardiness Policy in the Department of
Nursing Student Information Manual Undergraduate Nursing Programs.
Grade Appeals Policy:
Please refer to the College of Health and Human Services Grade Appeals Policy.
Professional Electronic (E) Portfolio:
The Professional E-Portfolio has been adopted as a form of evaluation for the undergraduate
nursing program. Students are required to keep copies of all completed assignments (nursing
and non-nursing), both electronically and hard copy.
Confidentiality:
Maintenance of confidentiality is of primary importance in any method of patient data collection.
Each student enrolled in a nursing course with an associated clinical must complete the Purdue
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) PowerPoint self-study, HIPAA Quiz
earning 100%, and turn in the signed confidentiality agreements of Purdue University and IPFW
College of Health and Human Services. See Department of Nursing Student Information Manual
Undergraduate Nursing Programs for policy related to use of social media.
Utilization of Patient Information:
No identifying patient information, including computer generated information, may be removed
from the agency. This includes all protected health information.
Students may only access patient information related to their own assignments.
Classes in the nursing program will be canceled:
 At all instructional sites if IPFW is officially closed by the administration of the university,
or
 At the practicum or clinic site if it is closed by officials of that institution.
 Decisions to close IPFW and practicum/clinic sites are left to the chief administrators of
those respective facilities. In the event of inclement weather, listen to local radio or
television announcements, go to the IPFW web page (a notice will appear at the top of
the page), or call the campus weather emergency number, 481-6050 or 481-5770 for a
recorded message. (The URL for the IPFW web page is: https://ipfw.edu/.)
Undergraduate Handbook
Students are responsible for all policies contained in the Department of Nursing Student
Information Manual Undergraduate Nursing Programs. These policies include:
 Grading Policy
 Student Progression
 Grade Appeal
 Attendance
 Student Conduct and Attire
 Confidentiality
 Class Cancellations (inclement weather, etc.)
As information changes repeatedly, frequent and regular checking is important.
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