American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5^th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Pederson, P.B., Draguns, J.G., Lonner, W.J., & Trimble, J.E. (2007). Counseling Across Cultures. (6^th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Thomas, A.J., and Schwarzbaum, S. (2005). Culture and Identity: Life Stories for Counselors and Therapists. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

The goal of this course is to familarize students with various theories, counseling techniques, and a wide range of issues regarding fair, ethical and effective counseling in a world of cultural differences. A broad goal is to expand cultural awareness and knowledge in order to facilitate an appreciation of diversity in lifestyle and orientation, including culture, race, ethnicity, disability, age, language, gender, and sexual preference issues.

By the end of the course, students will be able to: 

1. Understand and discuss current theories of multi-cultural counseling.
2. Discuss issues of diversity as they relate to counseling practice.
3. Be familiar with current literature and research pertaining to the social patterns and counseling needs of various minority populations.
4. Develop a more culturally sensitive perspective in the role of professional counselor.
5. Describe the impact of the western "world-view" on American society.
6. Understand and discuss personal cultural heritage and its impact on the development of counseling skills.
7. Demonstrate an enhanced self-awareness of personal strengths, interests, and abilities.
8. Demonstrate an enhanced awareness of the legal/ethical issues of multicultural counseling.

Grades for this course will be assigned as follows:

   A    90 - 100%
   B    80 – 89%
   C    70 – 79%
   F    69% and Below

Please note that Bowie State University does not use "D" for graduate students. The grade "F" is used to designate academic failure. "FN" is used to designate failure for non-completion.  Grades of Incomplete or Withdrawal are governed by UMUC Europe policies. For further details, please refer to the UMUC Europe Graduate Catalog, available in your local Education Center or online at http://www.ed.umuc.edu/general_info/publications/catalogs.

Graduate school at the masters level focuses on helping students obtain the education needed for success as professionals in their chosen fields. Thus, UMUC Europe Graduate Programs and Bowie State University share the common goals of promoting excellence in academic scholarship through thoughtful inquiry and the skillful application of knowledge and theory for the betterment of society.

In order to maximize your graduate educational experience in general and this course in particular, you are required to:

Participate in classroom discussions            10%

Write graduate level papers or case studies     30%

Orally/visually present prepared material       20%

Successful graduate students in American universities dedicate approximately three hours of preparation/study time for every hour spent in the onsite classroom. Thus, the following course requirements were developed on the assumption that students would be prepared to spend approximately 150 hours of their own time working on them. In an eight-week term, that is the equivalent of a half-time job. Most ten-week graduate distance education courses require at least ten hours per week of dedicated time, plus time spent in the virtual classroom.

Participate in classroom discussions:You are expected to come to class prepared to engage in all discussions in a professional and informed manner.

Write graduate level papers or case studies:You are required to conduct professional-level research, including appropriately citing works of others and avoiding plagiarism. Resubmission of coursework from previous classes (whether or not taken at UMUC, UMUC Europe or BSU), partially or in its entirety, is not acceptable in this course and will result in an automatic failure on the assignment. APA style is mandatory for all graduate counseling course work. Plan on committing approximately 150 hours over the duration of this course to producing professional level work.

Orally/visually present prepared material:You are required to present your research in a professional manner. In an onsite course, this typically means an oral presentation accompanied by appropriate visual material. In an online class, this means creating a visual/textual presentation for your instructor and classmates.

Complete one or more written examination(s):The examination process in this class will assist you in developing the writing and critical thinking skills necessary for successfully passing the comprehensive exam required of all graduate students. The questions used in this course will either be taken directly from past comprehensive exams or written as though to be included on a comprehensive exam.