Professor: Shanette Harris, Ph.D.
Semester: Fall
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Psy 113 or Psy 103

Catalog Description: Introductory course focusing on multiculturalism as a major paradigm. Emphasizes the meaning of multiculturalism and associated principles, concepts, and sociocultural factors as related to assessment, intervention, and research.

By the end of the semester students will be able to:

• Increased sensitively to and respect for group and individual differences and similarities
• Increased self-awareness as regards personal, family and community values, beliefs, identities, and worldviews
• Knowledge of characteristics specific to ethnic/racial groups and their contributions to American culture
• Theoretical knowledge related to multiculturalism in social and employment interactions
• An understanding of multicultural terminology (e.g., cultural values, acculturation, assimilation, racism, race, ethnicity, racial identity, culture shock, ethnocentrism, biculturality)
• An understanding of how culture influences interpersonal, social and organization dynamic (e.g., universities, friendships, companies)
• Familiarity and knowledge of the relation between cultural influences and stages of the quantitative and qualitative research process

Class Topics:

• Terms, concepts, and constructs relevant to multicultural psychology
• Research methodology: Assessment and multicultural psychology
• Core psychology and multiculturalism
• Multiculturalism and Gender Matters
• Multicultural perspective on physical, emotional and mental health issues

Dr. Shanette Harris is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and a Clinical Psychologist who teaches PSY 254 both fall and spring semesters. Her research interests focus on the psychology of diversity and multiculturalism including race/ethnicity, gender, social class, and sexual orientation. Current research relates to eating disorders and disturbances, violence as a health issue, and cultural variation in health behavior.

Psy 399 meets the Psychology major requirement for a topics course. Psychology majors are required to take 3 topics courses. This course expands student’s understanding of how culture affects all aspects of psychological phenomena.

• Project Implicit
• Teaching Tolerance: Test yourself for Hidden Bias