Teaching an Undergraduate Course on Ethnic Diversity

Abstract

In this article, we describe a course, the Psychology of Ethnic Groups in the United States, to illustrate possible issues to address within an ethnic diversity psychology course. The purpose of this course is to educate, sensitize, and stimulate critical thinking about the role of culture and ethnicity in human social behavior with an emphasis on 4 major ethnic groups in the United States: African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Hispanics-Latinos. Basic concepts in ethnic psychology examined include the significance of race and ethnicity, racism and stereotyping, ethnic stratification, ethnic identity, acculturation, and biculturalism as well as a variety of psychosocial conditions (e.g., risk behaviors, adaptive health behaviors). Included are descriptions of in-class exercises, readings, and strategies that are helpful in teaching this type of course.