Chabot College
Fall 2004
Replaced Fall 2010
Course Outline for Psychology-Counseling 13
MULTICULTURAL ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY AMERICA
Catalog Description:
13 - Multicultural Issues in Contemporary America
3 units
Exploration of issues relating to the multicultural community in which we live today.
Interpersonal relations and communication. Focus on improving the individuals
understanding of other cultures and how those cultures impact the American lifestyle.
Includes exploration of myths and misunderstandings. Discussion of four specific
cultures or sub-cultures from the following groups: 1) African-American, 2) AsianAmerican, 3) Hispanic-American, 4) Native-American, 5) Middle Eastern-American,
6) European-American, 7) Gay/Lesbian American, 8) Disabled American. 3 hours
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Expected Outcome for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
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identify other cultures represented on campus and in our community;
describe how dominant cultures are presented in current media;
express the value of other cultures to American society today;
analyze differing cultures within the American culture;
demonstrate improved interpersonal communication skills through better
awareness of cultural differences and similarities;
compare and contrast the contributions of differing cultures to the American
culture;
evaluate the inter-relationship of other cultures to the American culture.
Course Content:
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Multiculturalism in American History and modern life
Changes in modern American culture resulting from other cultures
Current stereotypes of members of cultural groups studied
Gender role issues of cultural groups being studied
Effects of discrimination on the cultural groups being studied
Socio-economic issues related to the cultural groups being studied
Artistic/Aesthetic contributions made by the cultural groups being studied
Science/Technology contributions made by the cultural groups being studied
Reevaluation of personal attitudes and stereotypes
Current campus, community and state demographics
Explanatory Notes
a. Specific Asian-American cultures could include such cultures as: ChineseAmerican, Japanese-American, Korean-American, Vietnamese-American, and
Filipino-American
Chabot College
Course Outline for Multicultural Issues in Contemporary America, Page 2
Fall 2004
b. Specific Hispanic-American cultures could include such cultures as:
Mexican-American, Chicano-American, Puerto Rican-American, and LatinAmerican
c. Specific Native-American cultures could include such cultures as: Native
Indian American, Eskimo-American, Aleutian-American, and HawaiianAmerican
d. Specific Middle Eastern-American cultures could include such cultures as:
Afghan-American, Iranian-American, Israeli-American and JordanianAmerican
e. Specific European-American cultures could include such cultures as: ItalianAmerican, German-American, Greek-American, French-American, and
Portuguese-American
Methods of Presentation:
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Lecture
Film analysis
Reading literary excerpts
Group discussion
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
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Typical Assignments
a. Substantial paper of 5-7 pages related to each culture studied in the course or
in class writing assignments
b. Attendance at film viewing
c. Student journal
d. Prepare for class discussion
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Quizzes
b. Papers
c. Exams
d. Class participation
Textbook(s) (Typical):
The American Mosaic, Rico & Mano, Houghton-Mifflin, 2001.
CEH:rjs 12/01/94 Revised 2/16/95, 9/25/01, 9/02/03
DN: 9/6/03