Adler School of Professional Psychology Catalog 2008 – 2009

students with some of the basic analytic and critical thinking skills needed to
identify and understand the role of structure in shaping human welfare; (2)
help students think about how to integrate structural analysis and
understandings into their clinical work; and (3) help students think about how
to fulfill their responsibility to their clients as well as society as a whole by
encouraging public debate around this issue, and by actively advocating for
welfare-enhancing structural change.
672 Race, Ethnicity, and Social Class 3 Credits
Prerequisite: 641. This course is designed to give students an understanding of
various minority groups including African Americans, Asians, Latinos, and
Native Americans. Students are exposed to the limitations and potential
dangers of Western definitions of cultural groups. Specifically, emphasis is
placed on facilitating awareness of biased attitudes, influences of worldview,
and the consideration of the unique experiences of specific groups that have
been marginalized and have experienced discrimination.
673 Gender and Sexual Orientation Issues 3 Credits
across the Lifespan
Prerequisite: 641. This course examines the role of gender and sexual
orientation as related to lifespan development, personality, lifestyle, behavior,
decision-making and attitudes. The course covers the impact of power
differentials, social structures, stereotyping and role definitions on gender and
sexual identity. Additionally, the course investigates the implicit relationship
between gender and sexual orientation and also explores gender and sexual
orientation within the therapeutic process.
674 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues 3 Credits
across the Lifespan
Prerequisites: 641 and either 431 or 623. This course focuses on GLBT persons
across the lifespan and examines the evolution of the GLBT movement from
multiple dimensions. This course includes practical application of strategies
useful in working with GLBT individuals of different ages and ethnicities.
Sources, forms, and the history of heterosexism and homophobia are covered
as are the stages of healthy and positive GLBT identity formation and the
potential consequences of “coming out.” Discussions and research surrounding
controversial issues affecting the GLBT community serve as the focal point.
676 Global and Cross-Cultural Perspectives 3 Credits
on Health and Dysfunction
Prerequisites 641, 671. This course focuses on how culture affects the
definition, prevalence, recognition and societal response to health and illness.
The course examines the major environmental and systemic threats to
psychological well being and explores contextual views of mental illness that
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