PSY3052 · Cultural safety, responsiveness and reflexivity in practice

Overview

In this unit you will learn to develop cultural responsiveness by understanding how cultural identities influence our perspectives on behaviour and human interactions. You will engage in critical reflexivity on perceived differences in their ideologies, values, beliefs, norms, customs, meanings and ways of life. You will explore difficult questions about power relations, truth-telling, notions of identity, intersectionality and cultural complexity. You will learn to apply a critical lens to psychology, epistemology and psychological theory, positioning their understanding in the context of Western institutions, and learning to work with concepts of Indigenous and other non-Western knowledge systems. By developing an awareness of cultural safety and ethical practice, Indigenous and cultural psychologies and determinants of health, you will learn how to communicate and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other cultural minority groups.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Critically reflect on one’s own cultural identities and their impact on behaviours, beliefs and psychological practice.
2. Demonstrate an ability to balance scientific knowledge with personal reflexivity and how perspectives, personal values and attitudes impact on one’s reading of the scientific literature or clinical and social interactions.
3. Apply a critical lens to Western approaches to knowledge and psychology with respect to racism, power and intersectionality.
4. Apply culturally safe and ethical practice and communication with culturally diverse peoples while engaging in collaborative group work.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychology and cultural psychology theories and research paradigms.
6. Identify how to work in a culturally responsive manner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Workload

Two hours of lectures per week. Two hours of tutorials from weeks 2 – 11. One hour unit induction tutorial in week 1. Preparation: Eight hours background reading/preparation for lectures, tutorials and assessment tasks per week. Attendance at tutorials is recommended in order to successfully complete in-class activities and related assessment tasks.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.