College of Education 

MHS 5060 Psychosocial and Multicultural Aspects of Counseling

(3 Credits)

The purpose of this course is to orient students to the major theoretical perspectives and concepts in social psychology of diversity and disability. Emphasis will be placed on three areas: (1) social psychology theories related to diversity and disability; (2) the impact of social and cultural factors on the psychological adjustment, development, and coping of the individual; and (3) the impact of social and cultural factors of the individual’s adjustment and adaptation to a disability. Theories related to somatopsychology, coping, attributions, attitude formation, cultural identity, social power, and social affiliation will be examined. The specific objectives are to:

1. Provide students with information in the area of social psychology of diversity and disability, in order to develop their awareness of cultural and social factors which may impede or enhance effective counseling.
2. Provide information regarding the experiences, cultural values, and life-styles of various racial/ ethnic and other minority groups.
3. Provide an overview of societal attitudes toward persons with disabilities and other diverse groups, and ways in which these attitudes can be changed
4. Develop an understanding of the psychological, social, economic, and vocational impact of disability and diversity.
5. Provide students with information on how social psychological phenomena such as attributions, group affiliation, cultural identify, and social power may impact upon personal adjustment and the counseling process. 
6. Provide information regarding the impact that multicultural and pluralistic trends have upon counseling theories and techniques.
7. Provide students with information on the legal and ethical issues related to diversity and disability.
8. Assist students in integrating psychosocial theories related to disability and diversity into their areas of specialization (i.e., career counseling, mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, counseling psychology, school psychology).

8/29 Introduction to course and volunteer sites.

8/30 - 9/5 Traditional approaches to counseling and psychotherapy vs. psychosocial/multi-cultural approaches.

Readings:

9/7 - 9/12 Social psychology concepts related to diversity and disability (e.g., oppression, dis-crimination, stigma, social power, authority)

Readings:

counseling process.

9/21 - 9/24 Attribution theory and attitude formation related to disability and diversity.

The stated purpose will be accomplished through three components: Knowledge, Awareness, and Experience.

1. Volunteer Experience (15% of grade). Students will complete 25 hours of volunteer work at an agency which provides mentoring, community outreach, recreational, counseling, educational, or vocational services to a diverse or special needs population. Students must

complete their volunteer experience in settings consistent with their areas of specialization. Instructions for documenting your volunteer hours will be given during the second week of class.

 

1. Journal (10% of grade). Each student will keep a journal of their feelings, reactions, and thoughts about class discussion, materials, content, and volunteer experiences. Students will write at least one entry after each class session and volunteer experience. You are to write your reflections on the way class or the volunteer experience influenced your thoughts and feelings. Students should become cognizant of affective and cognitive reactions to class and volunteer experiences throughout the semester. Be aware of your emotional reactions to topics or class discussions, your pattern of thinking or world view, and how your cultural background may have influenced or impacted upon your values or world view. Journals will be collected every 4 weeks for accountability. You should not put your names on your journal. Use your social security number as your method of identification.

 

1. Roots/Awareness Paper (15% of grade). At the end of the semester, you are to submit an 8-10 page paper summarizing your journal and revelations of the semester. This paper is to be an introspection in two areas: (1) How your ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic background influenced your world view; and (2) How these experiences, values, and beliefs of which you became cognizant (via your journal) may impact on your effectiveness as a counselor within your area of specialization (e.g., rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, mental health counseling, career counseling, or counseling psychology).

 

You should not put your name on your paper. Use your social security number as your method of identification. Citations within the paper must follow APA-style criteria. This paper must be typed, double-spaced, and printed in average font size. Late papers will be penalized 1/2 of a grade. For example, if you write a B paper, you will receive a B- grade on a late paper. The paper is due by the beginning of class on 11/16/95.

 

1. Examinations (60% of grade). Three examinations will be given. These exams will be in-class examinations consisting of multiple-choice (guess) and short-answer questions. the final examination will be given during the scheduled time of finals week.

 

1. In-class activities and assignments. Throughout the semester, there will be in-class activities and occasional weekly written assignments. Students must complete these assignments by the specified time. Assignments may include such activities as newspaper article reviews, journal article reviews, self-awareness exercises, etc.

 

1. Class attendance is expected. 
1. This class will be conducted according to the academic honor code.

Students have the opportunity to earn 10 extra credit points by completing one of the following options. Earned extra credit points will be applied to the student’s lowest test score at the end of the semester.

1. Movie Review. Students will select a movie from a list (to be provided by the instructor), and provide a critical review. Information from your readings and lectures should be integrated into this review. This review should analyze the attitudes or stereotypes portrayed in the movie. What specific attitudes or stereotypes are depicted in the story? Does the movie foster negative, positive, or ambivalent attitudes? Are the characters portrayed realistically? Provide supporting evidence for all assertions. The review will be 5-8 pages in length, typed, and double-spaced.

 

1. Participation in a research project, to be announced by the instructor.

93% A 77% C+

90% A- 72% C

87% B+ 70% C-

82% B 60% D

80% B- <55% F

Other Required Readings (on reserve at LRC)

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