Culturally Informed Practices

This course is an exploration of historical, cultural, social, political, economic, health, and environmental issues involved in intercultural interactions between client and provider during the counseling process. Emphasis is placed on special problems, issues, and concerns of modern living within specific population groups, specifically those populations traditionally marginalized by society. Topics include: social-psychological dynamics of diverse populations and characteristics ¿ ethnicity/race, gender, age, economic, sexual orientation, and disability status ¿ of these populations with respect to the incidence of substance use disorders, intervention needs, and responses to treatment. Ethnic and cultural differences are examined to begin development of intercultural awareness, cultural competency, and culturally relevant practices in order to effectively interact and communicate with these populations. This course is designed for students interested in the social sciences, those considering careers in counseling, teaching, social work, psychology, or nursing, or students majoring in alcohol and other drug studies.