ADDRESSING DIVERSITY IN SCHOOL AND CLINICAL CONTEXTS

Catalog description

Advanced scientific study of the ways cultural factors shape and affect children's behavior. Through instruction and practical experience students will gain knowledge and skills needed to be culturally sensitive school psychologists. Coverage of cultural differences and how they relate to the diagnosis of psychopathology and what we consider 'normal' versus 'abnormal'. We will explore how cultures differ on important clinical issues such as violence, suicide, expression of emotions, childrearing, among many others. Practical implications, the APA's guidelines for multicultural competency, and some multicultural therapy approaches will be presented. There will be a discussion of the other ways individuals are diverse and therefore can be treated unfairly in our society. Examination of society's acceptance, views, and treatment of individuals who are considered diverse, or would be considered minorities, because of their gender, religious practices, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or medical conditions.