California State University, Chico

Department of Health And Community Services

 

                                                          MULTICULTURAL HEALTH

 

                                                      HCSV & MCGS 328-01   Fall 2007

                                                     Tuesdays/Thursdays 12:30-1:45 pm

Butte 229

 

Professor:  Dr. Lyndall Ellingson                      Office Hours: MWF 11 am – 1 pm

Office:  637 Butte Hall                                        Office Phone:  898-6310                        

Mailbox: 607 Butte                                             E-Mail:  lellingson@csuchico.edu

I.  Course Description

            This course will focus on the impact of cultural variables on health and illness.  Further, this course will focus on those problems that affect African Americans, Latinos, American Indians, and Asian Americans.  The effects of history, health beliefs and practices, and socioeconomic status on the health of different ethnic populations will be addressed.  The emphasis in the reading collections is on changing perceptions, giving voice, and addressing issues of racial discrimination. Current and potential strategies to improve health care delivery to these groups will be explored. We will often discuss topics that are sensitive, but critical, to cogent discussions about race, ethnicity and health. Each of you is asked to be mindful that we are a diverse group and that each person deserves your respect.

 

II. Texts & resources

Required Text: Huff, R. M. & Kline, M. V. (1999). Promoting Health in Multicultural Populations: A Handbook for Practitioners. Sage Publications

Required: Functional WebCT Access for reading and submitting assignments.

The CRAAP Test (a way to analyze the appropriateness of website for use in academic papers): http://www.csuchico.edu/lins/handouts/evalsites.html

           

III.  Objectives

A. The student will discuss the effects of history, cultural assimilation patterns, and health beliefs and practices upon the health status of underrepresented ethnic groups in the U.S.

B. The student will evaluate the effectiveness of the health delivery system in meeting the health needs of major ethnic groups in the U.S.

C. The student will describe the nature and extent of health disparities between U.S. Whites and non-Whites.

D. The student will examine health agencies and organizations that are responsive to the needs of multicultural groups in the U.S. 

E. The student will analyze the various cultural, social, political, environmental and economic forces with impact the health of U.S. communities of color.

F. The student will compare the effects of several major health concerns common to ethnic groups in the U.S: infant mortality, AIDS, heart disease, cancer, drug abuse, etc.

G. The student will assess the effect of prejudice and discrimination upon the health and the delivery of health care services to underrepresented groups in the U.S.

H. The student will identify personal stereotypical thinking, common prejudices, and ethnocentrism and its negative impact upon the health and delivery of services to ethnic groups in the U.S.

I. The student will examine one's own cultural backgrounds and world view as related to communication with others.

J. The student will identify assets and strengths within U.S. populations of color which serve to buffer life events, enhance quality of life and maintain a positive health status.

K. The student will develop cultural sensitivity (awareness of differences) and become culturally competent (skillfully interact with other ethnic/cultural groups).  The student will articulate a personal vision for improving or enhancing the health status of communities of color in the U.S.


IV. Student Responsibilities

A. Attendance

Attend each class, contribute to class discussions, and participate in planned activities.  Attendance will be recorded.  More than 2 absences will result in a penalty of a reduction of 1/3 final letter grade for each class period missed. 

 

Our academic schedule is based on Western Christian religious/cultural traditions, for example we do not meet on Sundays, Christmas, Easter, etc.  This can create an additional burden on those students who practice other religious/cultural traditions because they must either miss class, ask permission to miss class, or miss important religious/cultural ceremonies and events. Please do not hesitate to inform me of an expected absence required to follow the tenets of your faith &/or culture. This absence will not be officially recorded as such. However, any required academic work should be submitted in advance and will be considered late if not submitted by the due date.

 

B. Weekly Article Readings and Discussion Questions (5 points each)

There are 3-4 articles assigned per week. For each article there are questions that must be answered. The articles and questions are on WebCT. Prepare for classroom discussion by reading, answering questions and reflecting on article assignments. Article answers and reflections are due at the beginning of the class period noted in the syllabus.  Each submission should include:

1.       Your name, article #s & titles

2.       Typed, single-spaced answers to the assigned article questions.

3.       Your reflection regarding ONE article per weekly assignment (especially how it affects your previous opinions or professional life). 

  1. Assignments must be submitted typed on paper at the beginning of the class session in which they are due.  NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
  2. Papers submitted outside of class must be turned into Butte 607 and get time-stamped.  NO paper will be accepted if slipped under my door. You are allowed ONE email submission and ONE hand-written paper. After that that 5 points will be deducted for each subsequent email or handwritten submission.

 

C. Exams (2 @ 120 pts each)

Participate in 2 exams at the appointed time.  The examinations will be multiple choice and/or essay. Make up exams will only be given under dire emergencies with prior approval and with documentation and are administered during finals week at your professor’s convenience.  See WebCT for sample exam questions.

 

D. Panel Project (120 pts)

Students will be assigned to panel groups to understand peoples of diverse cultures and to find ways health educators/administrators/health care professionals can most effectively serve their clients. 

o        Panel groups will present a 60-minute presentation on one assigned ethnic group.  Everyone must participate equally to the overall presentation.  The panel should consider itself as a whole and not as segmented parts to insure completeness and avoid duplication in the oral presentation.  The focus of your research relates to health professionals and how we may best serve.  Consequently, what information makes this culture different from the dominant culture?  What are the experiences and assets of this culture relative to the dominant culture? Determine what exceptional data we need to know.  IMPORTANT! See more detailed instructions in Section II of this syllabus.

 

E. Culturally Appropriate Pamphlet (50 points)

Develop a culturally specific and competent pamphlet addressing a particular health issue for a group discussed in class this semester.This pamphlet assignment demonstrates your professional development and ability to communicate health, health care, and health education needs, concerns, and resources of a specific ethnic/religious/minority culture.  This assignment assists health educators in fulfilling the standards of Competency and Responsibility VII set by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.

 

Pamphlet Planning Deadlines (see syllabus for specific dates)

1.       Contact a health organization that targets your selected ethnic group.  Or contact a health organization that addresses a health issue you are interested in. Ask them if they have any suggestions or needs for a culturally appropriate health pamphlet for targeted ethnic minority groups. 

2.       Download and print the Pamphlet Contact Sheet to submit a contact person name and agency, including their phone number and tentative topic on the date noted on the schedule. Your contact person, agency and health topic must be approved by your instructor.

3.       Find 3-5 professional articles (from peer-reviewed journals or reputable national organizational websites) on your health topic and ethnic group. Reference these in very small font on the back page of your pamphlet. Submit copies of articles with your final pamphlet.

4.       Attend one of several campus opportunities to learn publication software.

5.       Submit a rough draft of your pamphlet (optional).

6.       On the final due date, submit:

a)       two copies of the pamphlet (I will keep one copy of the pamphlet and mail the other)

b)       a CD (in a CD case) containing the pamphlet

c)       a cover letter

d)       an addressed envelope to your agency contact person. Your envelope must be big enough to mail the contents.

 

7.       Your pamphlet will be evaluated on:

a)       Quality, quantity and appropriate level of content for your population

b)       Cultural competency of information and pamphlet design

c)       Quality of pamphlet design: font type, size, legibility, use of borders, white space, color, graphics and overall design

d)       Quality of printing/production: color density, paper density

e)       Meeting submission criteria (e.g., cover letter, envelope, duplicate copies, CD, etc)

 

PAMPHLET TIPS: Your pamphlet should be culturally and visually engaging. Use language, color, phrases, images, recipes, historical events and figures appropriate to your audience. As you are developing the pamphlet review the evaluation form I will use (example on Vista) for guidelines.

 

Course Evaluation

Panel project                                   120                  

Articles                                           170      

      Exam #1                                         120                  

      Exam #2                                         120

      Pamphlet                                            50     

Total                                               580                              

                                   

                                    B+  =    88 - 89%           C+  =    78 - 79%           D+  =    67 - 69%

A   =     94 - 100%         B    =    84 - 87%           C    =    74 - 77%           D    =    64 - 66%

A-  =     90 - 93%           B-   =    80 - 83%           C -  =    70 - 73%           F     =   63% or less

Remember: each absence after two will lower your final grade 2/3 a letter grade. For example, if you earned a B for the course and missed 3 class periods your final grade will be reduced to a B- (3rd absence = B>B-).

IMPORTANT: All grading and attendance discrepancies must be resolved on or before the last week of classes to be considered. Scores are posted on WebCT throughout the semester.


328 COURSE SCHEDULE

 

Ch = Chapter in Promoting Health in Multicultural Populations               RP = Reading Packet (On WebCT)

Date

TOPIC

ASSIGNMENTS

READINGS

8/28

Introductions & Introductory Concepts

 

 

8/30

Introductions & Introductory Concepts

 

 

9/4

Health status & health care in US

RP 1-3      

Ch 1

9/6

Health status & health care in US

 

 

9/11

Race & Ethnicity and Culture

RP 4-6

Ch 2

9/13

Race & Ethnicity and Culture

 

 

9/18

Cultural Power & Privilege

RP 7-9

 

9/20

Panel Assignment Orientation

 

 

9/25

Concepts of Culture

RP 10-12    

 

9/27

Concepts of Culture

 

Ch 5 (pgs 103-107)

10/2

Culture and Health

RP 13-15

 

10/4

Culture and Health

 

 

10/9

Cultural Competency

RP 16-17

Ch 26

10/11

Cultural Competency

 

 

10/16

Exam 1

 

 

10/18

Pamphlet/Exam review

 

 

10/23

Native Hawaiian health issues panel

RP 18-21     

Ch 22

10/25

American Indian health issues panel

 

Ch 14

10/30

Religious Minorities

 

Pamphlet contact form due

11/1

Latino health issues panel

RP 22-25    

Ch 6

11/6

African-American health issues panel

 

Ch 10

11/8

Class cancelled

 

 

11/13