Fall 2002
UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD
Psychology Department
Course Outline
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COURSE NO:
PSYC 3385-01
COURSE TITLE: Multicultural Issues in Psychology
FACULTY:
John M. Velasquez, Ph.D.
TIME:
Tuesday and Thursday 1:20-2:35 AM
ROOM:
NB 217
OFFICE:
NB 110
OFFICE PHONE: 829-3960
OFFICE HOURS: Tues/Thurs 10:30-12:00 PM (other hours by appointment)
E-MAIL:
velasque@universe.uiwtx.edu
___________________________________________________________________
COURSE OBJECTIVES and OUTCOMES:
Course Description: An exploration of multicultural issues from a theoretical and
practical perspective with emphases on historical, sociopolitical, and professional
approaches to serving diverse populations. Psychological theory and approaches
will be the predominant perspective; however, multidisciplinary approaches also will
be applied.
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To increase awareness of the full range of issues which influence the daily lives of
diverse populations.
To increase awareness of your personal worldview as a method for enhancing an
understanding of diverse populations.
To increase your knowledge in theoretical application and service delivery to
diverse populations.
To develop a working knowledge base of the four largest cultural groups.
To develop skills in intra- and interpersonal communication.
To develop skills in evaluating multicultural issues.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Sue, D.W., & Sue, D. (2003). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and
practice (4th Ed). New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [ISBN 0-471-41980-X]
Supplementary Readings: Other required articles and/or required chapters may be
assigned on a regular basis to complement the course objectives. These articles will
either be placed in the library in the reserve section or handed out in class.
PSYC 3385
Multicultural Issues
2
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Reaction Papers (50%): Regularly you will be asked to write a brief (1-2 page)
response to readings and class discussions. The papers will represent critical
thinking and integration regarding your knowledge base. They will also represent
your personal and scholarly responses to the issues and information presented in
class. Reaction papers are to be turned in by 5 PM on the day of the week they are
due. See attached document for detailed instructions. See the outline for due dates.
The breakdown of grade weights is as follows:
 Reaction Papers 1-3 = 10%
 Reaction Papers 4-6 = 15%
 Reaction Papers 7-9 = 25%
Exams (21%): Three multiple choice, closed-book, 20 item exams will be given
during the semester to test your fundamental knowledge of the current unit. Each
exam will constitute 7% of your course grade. Exams will be given at the end of the
hour, and they will cover material presented since the last exam and through the
class session on the date of the exam. You will have 20 minutes to complete each
exam. Material that will be tested is found in the course textbook and the
supplemental readings assigned. See the outline for a schedule of exam dates.
Project (15%): Each student will develop an original, creative presentation that
incorporates awareness, knowledge, and skills of multicultural issues. You can
choose to present the project as an individual or you may group with other students
to present (2-3 students/group). Examples: dramatic skit, videotaped program, roleplay, dynamic lecture/speech, interpretation of media, etc. Each presentation,
regardless of content and method, will be 10-15 minutes long and will be
accompanied by a brief, 2-3 page written summary. Projects will be presented in
class during the final weeks of the course.
Final Exam (14%): There will be a take-home, open-book final exam designed to
test your ability to apply the knowledge and skills gained the course. The exam will
be given out in class on December 5th and will be due December 10th by 3:00 PM.
GRADING SCALE:
The grading scale for the determination of the final course grade will be as follows:
90 88 80 78 70 60 0-
100
89
87
79
77
69
59
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
A
B+
B
C+
C
D
F
PSYC 3385
Multicultural Issues
3
Attendance: As indicated in the attendance policy of UIW, instructors are permitted
to advise student who miss more than 15% of all meetings to withdraw from the
course. Attendance policy of UIW allows students to miss classes due to University
sponsored events (“excused absences”); therefore, the attendance policy of this
course allows for such absences with appropriate University documentation. [Other
absences (family and medical) will also require some form of written documentation.]
However, if any combination of unexcused and excused absences totals more than
15% of class meetings, your professor may advise you to withdraw from the course.
NOTE: If there are extenuating circumstances and you believe your circumstances
warrant special consideration, you must communicate these circumstances to the
instructor prior to or immediately following a missed class session. It will always
serve your best interests if you communicate with the professor prior to or
immediately following every absence.
Academic Honesty: Cheating, plagiarism, and other acts of dishonorable conduct
can result in the student receiving a sanction for the assignment and also may result
in a referral to the dean’s office, VP for Academic Affairs and Student Life, and/or the
Honor Board. Refer to the student handbook for specifics of this policy.
TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE
(Professor reserves the right to alter the schedule at any time*)
DATES
TOPIC / ASSIGNMENT(S)
READING(S)
August 22
Introduction to Course
Multicultural Awareness Knowledge,
and Skills Survey (MAKSS);
Ethnic Identity Development
MAKSS (in class)
Ethnicity measure
(in class)
August 27 & 29
Superordinate Nature of Multicultural
Issues
Sue & Sue, Ch. 1
Reaction Paper #1 due 8/29
September 3 & 5
Sociopolitical Issues of Multicultural
Counseling
Reaction Paper #2 due 9/11
Sue & Sue, Ch. 2
PSYC 3385
Multicultural Issues
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September 10 & 12
Barriers to Effective Multicultural
Counseling/Therapy
Sue & Sue, Ch. 4
Exam #1 on 9/12
Reaction Paper #3 due 9/12
September 17 & 19
Intervention Strategies
Sue & Sue, Ch. 5
September 24 & 26
Family Approaches
Sue & Sue, Ch. 6
Reaction Paper #4 due on 9/26
October 1 & 3
Ethnic Identity Development
Sue & Sue, Ch. 8
Exam #2 on 10/3
Reaction Paper #5 due on 10/3
October 8, 10 & 15
White Ethnic Identity
Sue & Sue, Ch. 9
Reaction Paper #6 due on 10/15
October 17-18
FALL BREAK (no classes)
October 22 & 24
Worldview Dimensions
Sue & Sue, Ch. 10
Reaction Paper #7 due on 10/24
October 29 & 31
Organizational Counseling
Reaction Paper #8 due on 10/31
Exam # 3 on 10/31
Sue & Sue, Ch. 20
PSYC 3385
Multicultural Issues
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November 5, 7 & 12
Hispanic/Latino Americans
Sue & Sue, Ch. 14
Project Presentations begin 11/7
Reaction Paper #9 due on 11/12
November 14 & 19
African Americans
Sue & Sue, Ch. 11
Project Presentations
November 21 & 26
American Indians
Sue & Sue, Ch. 12
Project Presentations
December 3 & 5
Project Presentations
Final Exam handed out: 12/5
December 10
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Final Examination
(exam due by 3:00 PM)
Note: This schedule is tentative. The student is responsible for any changes announced in
class.
The University provides support services for students with disabilities. Any student who anticipates
the need for assistance, support services, or reasonable accommodations related to a disability should
contact Connie Kuwamoto at 805-5813.
8/15/02