Fall, 2020

FS511

Yoon Hammer

Monroe

FS511: Cultural & Ethnic Issues in Marital and Family Interventions (4 Units). Miyoung Yoon Hammer, Moet Monroe

DESCRIPTION:

The objective of this class is twofold. First, students will explore the many facets of culture (ie. race, ethnicity, gender, social class), the intersection of these facets, and the implications of living and serving in diverse communities. Students will examine their own ideas, perceptions, and assumptions about culture, whether it be ones that are similar to or different from their own. A general overview of selected ethnic groups will be offered as a way to increase sensitivity to and awareness of group distinctions. The second objective is for students to learn to apply clinical interventions in therapeutic settings. The readings, discussions, and assignments are intended to facilitate curiosity, challenge assumptions, and cultivate a greater awareness of the student’s beliefs about culture and how these beliefs shape their clinical work.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who successfully complete this course will:

1. Learn the importance of having an awareness of one’s own cultural biases, assumptions, and beliefs.

2. Develop a new lens for thinking about and delving into issues of diversity.

3. Gain knowledge about clinical issues relevant to particular ethnic and/or racial groups.

4. Apply clinical interventions in all therapeutic settings.

RELATIONSHIP TO SCHOOL AND SEMINARY LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The course learning outcomes above serve the School of Psychology’s outcome of training students in the following ways:

1. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and attitudes necessary to serve effectively in diverse communities locally and globally.

2. Graduates will be prepared to serve underserved populations and to integrate in their practice and personal lives the disciplines of compassion and charity.

Furthermore, the course learning outcomes serve the larger Seminary learning outcomes in the following ways:

1. Graduates will be aware of and critically engage ecclesial, societal, and global issues from Christian theological perspectives and demonstrate the ability to make informed choices toward positive change.

2. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to identify critical issues of diversity and make appropriate responses.

COURSE FORMAT:

This 4 unit course will meet as an Online Live course that includes recorded lectures and weekly required synchronous meetings. Synchronous meetings will occur twice a week: Tuesdays from 7-9 pm and a second hour with a TA, time TBD.

REQUIRED READING:

Sue, D.W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (6^th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN: 978-1-118-02202-3. Estimated retail price on Amazon: $20.

Fadiman, A. (1997). The spirit catches you and you fall down: A Hmong child, her American doctors, and the collision of two cultures. New York: The Noonday Press. Estimated retail price on Amazon: $7

Hill, D. (2017). White awake: An honest look at what it means to be White. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press Books. Estimated retail price on Amazon: $15

Coates, T. (2015). Between the world and me (First edition.). New York: Spiegel & Grau. Estimated retail price on Amazon: $14

Grande, R. (2016). The distance between us. Young reader’s edition. New York; London; Toronto: Aladdin.

Additional readings will be made available on E-Reserves. Estimated retail price on Amazon: $11

ASSIGNMENTS:

Students will be expected to complete the assigned readings prior to class for participation in thoughtful and interactive discussions. Grades will be based on attendance and the completion of assignments.

PREREQUISITES:

The course is open to MSMFT students only.

RELATION TO CURRICULUM:

1. Meets BPC Sections 4980.36(c)(1)(C); 4980.36(d)(1)(A); 4980.36(d)(2)(B)-(G) for the State of CA.

2. Meets AAMFT core competency domain, 2.1.

FINAL EXAM:

None.