This document provides information about a multicultural psychology course titled PSY215 at Alvernia University. The course will examine both universals of human behavior as well as cultural differences. It will develop critical thinking skills and an awareness of cultural identities. The course format will include videos, assignments, discussions and presentations. Requirements include regular attendance, two exams, two papers, five discussion posts, and class participation. The overall goal is to foster Franciscan values and promote understanding of multicultural issues from personal and professional perspectives.

1. Multicultural Issues in Psychology
PSY215
Alvernia University
Adjunct Professor: Stephen J. Milburn, M.Ed, LPC
Office Hours: By appointment only
Telephone: (267)-844-2945
Email: smilburn61@gmail.com
Department Objectives:
All courses in the psychology department are designed to foster the Core Franciscan
Values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation and collegiality as set forth
by Alvernia’s Mission Statement as well as to promote the General Objectives as
outlined in the University Catalogue.
Course Description:
This course covers the study of universals of human behavior as well as the
differences brought about by specific needs, experiences and characteristics of
diverse populations. The course examines communication, understanding and
awareness of culturally different people.
Course Objectives:
To study the universals of human behavior as well as the differences in
populations.
To develop critical thinking skills, by questioning the use of “universals” to
describe aspects of human behavior and mental health based on research
conducted from a European American perspective with people in the
Western world.
To examine the empirical research conducted in multi-cultural and cross-
cultural psychology on topics ranging from psychology to sociopolitical
issues.
To develop an awareness of our own cultural identity and associated
assumptions and to better understand their effect on us at school, work,
community, and interpersonal relationships.
To explore potential means to address social injustice.
Required text:
Nagayama Hall G.C., Multicultural psychology. (2010). (2nd ed.) Upper Saddle River,
New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
Course Format:
Class will utilize a variety of learning methods ranging from Youtube videos,
blackboard assignments, discussion posts, powerpoints and in-class student
presentations as well as teacher lecture. Nonetheless, the course will engage the

2. student in interactive role-plays and critical thinking exercises to understand the
impact of multi-cultural issues in psychology from a personal and professional
perspective.
Course Requirements:
Attendance: There will be no excused absences for this course. However, I do
understand that things do come up. Please inform me no later than a day if you will
be absent for any reason. Please plan for things in advance such as childcare,
vacations or other work-related issues. If you miss more than two consecutive days
in a row, you will receive no less than a C for the course.
Tests: There will be two exams for this course; a midterm and final examination.
Each will be worth one hundred points. If you miss an examination you will fail the
course.
Assignments and Blackboard Posts: You will have two assignments for the course
and each will be worth fifty points. Blackboard posts in total will be worth fifty
points as well. You will be given 5 discussion threads to respond to and you must
use references and the posts must be no more than two paragraphs. A sentence will
not be an acceptable response for a blackboard post. Please write concisely and
clear for the response. If I don’t understand your post you will not receive the total
points. The assignments will consist of two papers;whichmust be completed by the
end of the course. One paper will address a cultural issue that your passionate about
and the second paper will consist of what cultural influences impacted your life and
why? The second paper will be more of a reflection paper while the first will be
more research based. The instructor will explain topic requirements during class.
Class Participation: Your grade will consist of in-class participation for example
asking questions and or contributing to class-room discussions. Attendance and
lateness will also be addressed in this area. The total grade for participation should
be fifty points.