Multiculturalism and Social Justice Certificate

Return to: College of Social Sciences

Certificate Program Lead: Theopia Jackson, Ph.D. and Portia Rawles, Ph.D.

Sponsored by: Clinical Psychology Degree Program and Transformative Social Change

Description

We live in an increasingly multicultural environment, both in the United States and in the larger global community. Appreciating the complex and fascinating cultural variables at play in human interactions is critical for effective communication between individuals with differing worldviews. We are immersed in our own culture, and tend to be unaware of our values and their impact on others until challenged to understand alternative perspectives. Studying multicultural psychology allows us to make a commitment to understanding the wide variation in cultural values, histories, worldviews, and expectations, so that we are not left to interpret the behavior of others exclusively through the prism of our own culture.

This program will help professionals, community activists, and paraprofessionals develop a multicultural perspective that is fully appreciative of the cultural diversity that exists within a pluralistic society. The coursework for this certificate is grounded in a global perspective. It is informed by the humanistic stance that has been nurtured at Saybrook and by an emphasis upon change and social justice. Broadening our perspective can dramatically affect our interactions with others and improve our ability to be effective educators, therapists, counselors, business people, or health care providers. This certificate can enhance one’s ability to develop effective assessment tools, training programs, clinical and community interventions, and government policy.

Learning Outcomes:  Upon completion of this Certificate, students will be able to:

1. Describe their own and other cultural perspectives and implications for practice and scholarship
2. Develop knowledge of unfamiliar groups and how one’s values affect this learning process
3. Delve deeply into the complex study of culture, ethnicity, social justice, gender, race, health disparities, and socioeconomic issues (intersectionality) and their relationship to practice
4. Critically consider the implications and application of multiculturalism

Curriculum

• PSY 6010  The Psychology of Multiculturalism in North America
• PSY 6570   / TSC 6570   Race, Class, and Gender in American Society
  • Choose 4 from the following:

    CSIH 4530  Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality in their Cultural Contexts

    CSIH 3220  The African Diaspora: African American Cultural History and Psychology

    TSC 6520  Gender and Society

    TSC 6620  Psychology of Disability, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment

     

• PSY 8950  Certificate Integrative Seminar