PSY 132 - Psychology and Culture

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Current knowledge about human diversity in behavior and culture using examples from a variety of contexts within western and global societies. Includes cross-cultural psychology, such as intergroup relations, diverse cognitive styles, ethnocentrism, gender, personality, emotion, language, communication, work and health. Also includes enculturation throughout the lifespan and increasing awareness of how behavioral and cognitive principles affect interactions in a multicultural world.

Recommendation: Completion of PSY 101 before enrolling in this class. If any recommended course is taken, see a financial aid or Veteran’s Affairs advisor to determine funding eligibility as appropriate.
Gen-Ed: Meets AGEC - SBS and G; Meets CTE - SBS and G.

Course Learning Outcomes

Define culture, race, ethnicity, nationality, multiculturalism, and ethnocentrism.
Identify research methods used in cross-cultural psychology and the special challenges involved in cross-cultural research.
Describe how culture influences the development of personality, self-identity, and group identity.
Describe how culture influences basic psychological processes such as perception, emotion, communication, memory, and cognition.
Compare how variations in marriage and family structure and health care systems supporting physical and mental health impact global health and well-being.
Describe guidelines for positive interactions in a work, school, and home setting in a multicultural world.

Outline:
I. Cross-cultural approach
   A. When psychology and culture meet: an introduction to cross-cultural psychology
   B. The nature of knowledge in science
   C. Limitations of western psychology
   D. Gaining a global perspective
II. Understanding culture
   A. Definition of culture, race and ethnicity
        1. Multiculturalism within the U.S.
        2. Cross-cultural comparisons on a global scale.
     B. Pancultural principles versus culture-specific differences: Emics and Etics
     C. Introduction to ethnocentrism and stereotypes
     D. A dimensional approach to understanding cultures
III. Culture, self, and personality
     A. Culture and concepts of self
     B. Culture and personality traits
     C. Culture and indigenous personalities
IV. Cross-cultural research methods
     A. Issues in the conduct of studies across cultures and global societies
     B. The nature of truth in science and the importance of research
     C. The parameters and conditions of research
     D. Special issues in cross-cultural research
V. Enculturation, socialization and development
     A. Cultural similarities and differences in cognitive development
     B. Other theories of cognitive development
     C. Moral reasoning
     D. Socio-emotional development
VI. Cultural influences on organizations and the world of work
     A. Cultural similarities and differences in the meaning of work
     B. Organizations and culture
     C. Cultural differences in work related values
       1. Motivation and productivity
         2. Leadership and management styles
     D. Intercultural conflicts in business and work
VII. Culture and intergroup relations
     A. Cultural and psychological influences on ethnocentrism and stereotypes
     B. Person perception and impression formation
     C. The contribution of other basic psychological processes
     D. Culture and ethnocentrism
VIII. Culture and social behavior
     A. Cultural differences in intergroup behavior
     B. Cultural differences in our interpretations of the world around us: cross cultural research on attributions
     C. Interpersonal attraction: love, intimacy and intercultural marriages
     D. Cultural differences in conformity, compliance and obedience to groups
IX. Culture and basic psychological processes
     A. Culture and perception
     B. Culture and cognition
     C. Intelligence: definitions and concepts
X. Culture and gender
     A. Cultural similarities and differences in gender roles
     B. The history of studying sex and gender in relation to culture
     C. The influence of culture on gender
     D. Cultural similarities and differences in ascribed gender roles and stereotypes
     E. Other psychological gender differences across cultures
     F. Ethnicity and gender
XI. Culture and health
     A. Sociocultural influences and health care delivery
     B. Cultural differences in the definition of health
     C. Sociocultural influences on physical health and medical disease processes
     D. Sociocultural influences on psychological disorders and abnormal behaviors
     E. Cultural differences in dealing with illness
XII. Diversity of human emotion
     A. Emotions from a mainstream American perspective
     B. The concept of emotions from a cross-cultural perspective
     C. Cultural similarities and differences in emotional expression
     D. Cultural similarities and diversity in other aspects of emotion
XIII. Culture and language
     A. The relationship between culture, language and worldview
     B. Culture and the structure of language
     C. Traditional theories of language
     D. Bilingualism
     E. Language acquisition
XIV. Culture and communication
     A. What are nonverbal behaviors?
     B. Classifying nonverbal behaviors
     C. Cultural differences in nonverbal behaviors
     D. Cultural similarities and differences in the expression and experience of communication
XV. Conclusion
     A. Guidelines to improve cross-cultural relationships
     B. Challenges and cultural diversity
     C. Human interaction in a pluralistic world: work, school and home

Effective Term:
Fall 2015