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Diversity Courses

Undergraduate Coursework in Diversity

PSYC 2150 Psychology of Cultural Diversity

The objective of this course is to evaluate psychology in diverse cultural contexts through the use of cultural/diversity theories, research, class discussions and reactions, and readings. The course will explore the meaning of culture and diversity in various contexts at the individual level, group level, global level, domestic level, and organizational level. Students will have the opportunity to apply and build upon what they learn through the course with assigned papers, assignments, and projects. Most importantly, we hope that students will gain a greater understanding of culture and diversity to enhance one’s cultural competence as well as awareness in various social and applied settings.

PSYC 3150 Introduction to Black Psychology 

This course is designed to examine the psychology of the African American experience. The course will provide an overview of Black/African American psychology as an evolving field of study and consider the Black/African American Psychology paradigm as one of the key conceptual frameworks for understanding the psychological experiences of African Americans. Also, we will explore a range of topics that pertain to the psychological experiences of African Americans such as racism and discrimination, achievement and schooling, kinship and family, racial identity, religion and spirituality, and African American mental health. Finally, we conclude the course with discussions of current topics, controversies, and recent advances in Black psychology. Throughout the course, a primary objective will be to consider how the knowledge of African American psychological experiences can be used to promote African American psychological health and wellness.

PSYC 4500 Psychology of Prejudice 

This course is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of the psychological factors that lead to prejudice and discrimination within our society. We will survey psychological theories explaining stereotypes and prejudices in their many forms. We will focus on the causes of the stereotypes and prejudice, the way they are maintained, their consequences, and ways they might be reduced. In this course, students will develop an awareness and understanding of the role of historical, socio-political, economic, and other forces in shaping the experience of underrepresented communities. 

PSYC 4600 Psychology of Women

This course covers current theory and research regarding the psychology of women and psychological gender differences and similarities. This includes topics that relate uniquely to women (such as pregnancy) as well as gender comparisons in personality, abilities, and behavior. Although the course covers theory and research on the biological bases of these phenomenon, it proceeds from a gender similarities perspective (Hyde, 2006), which emphasizes the role of gender socialization processes and structural inequality on human behavior and psychological functioning. Within this course  students are encouraged to think critically about cultural representations of gender, ideas about the differences between men and women that may not be supported by research findings, about the unique challenges faced by women, and about current research in the area. Furthermore,  it is hoped that students will also be able to use the knowledge gained in this course to better understand themselves and the role, both good and bad, that their gender plays in their everyday lives. 

PSYC 5100 Poverty and Development

The purpose of this course is to explore the effects of poverty on child and adolescent development, the factors that mediate and moderate the effects of poverty, and policies designed to improve developmental outcomes for children living in poverty. Students are exposed to recent research involving children living in poverty and are encouraged to critically evaluate the findings. 



Graduate Coursework in Diversity

PSYC  7540 Psychology of Disadvantaged and Minority Groups

The purpose of this course is to examine the experience of individuals from diverse backgrounds as it relates to their mental health and behavior.  To do so, the course is divided into two parts—theoretical and applied.  Course objectives include providing students with an understanding of (1) individual cultural development and subsequent implications for clinical work, (2) implications of the social and political environment on clinical work, (3) culturally competent assessment and therapy, (4) barriers to the provision of culturally competent therapy and assessment, and (5) clinical research and practice with disadvantaged and minority groups. Because it is likely that the course will spur significant self-reflection and may, at times, make students uncomfortable, another objective of the course is for students to gain skills in discussing more personal, individual beliefs as they relate to the field and practice of psychology.

PSYC 8000 Psychology of Sexual Orientation

This seminar will examine theoretical perspectives and empirical findings on a range of basic and applied topics related to sexual orientation.  We will consider various aspects of the lives of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals, including: identity development, stigma and minority stress, adolescence, same-sex relationships, parenting, aging, workplace issues, mental and physical health, therapy and intervention, and LGB communities.

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