Course Description
This course provides students pursuing or interested in healthcare careers with a foundation in diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and health literacy. Through examination of diverse populations, values, beliefs, and perspectives, students will develop strategies to provide optimal, patient-centered care. Topics include considering social, cultural, and psychological factors affecting patient care; effective communication techniques to build trust and rapport with diverse patient populations; addressing health disparities; and providing care that is inclusive and respectful of patients' race, gender, ethnic background, languages, and cultural/religious beliefs. Students will engage with case studies and realistic scenarios to practice applying DEI principles and communication strategies. The course aims to equip current and future healthcare professionals with the skills needed to reduce barriers, improve access, and deliver quality care to all patients. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Identify and define key diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts and theories.
- Reflect on how to effectively communicate with people from different diversity dimensions including culture, social, race, gender, and religion.
- Examine social determinants of health and discuss impact on quality-of-life outcomes and risks through the lens of social and political structures, policies, and practices.
- Utilize DEI principles in real-world scenarios, demonstrating effective cross-cultural communication skills.
Course Activities and Grading
Assignments | Weight |
---|---|
Discussions (25 Pts, Weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 8) | 12.5% |
Posters (25 points, Weeks 2, 3, 6) | 7.5% |
Weekly Assignment (75 pts x 7 weeks) | 52.5% |
Check-in (x 2) | 5% |
Final Project | 22.5% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
Srivastava, R. J. The Health Care Professionals Guide to Cultural Competence (2nd ed). Elsevier, 2023. ISBN-13: 9780323790000
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1 | Topic: Introduction to terms and concepts
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2 | 2,4 | Topics: Myths and Misconceptions/ Navigating the Difference
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3 | 2,3 | Topics: Social Determinants of Health and Mental Health
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4 | 2,3 | Topic: Diversity in Religion
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5 | 2,3,4 | Topics: Diverse Families and Health Literacy
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6 | 2,3,4 | Topics: Sexual and Gender Diversity
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7 | 2,3,4 | Topic: Communication
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8 | 1,2,3,4 | Topic: Putting it all Together
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.