IS - 490 Cultural Competence and Communication

IS 490 Cultural Competence and Communication is an upper-level course for allied health professions students and other interested students to facilitate an understanding of the role of cultural competence in the health care arena and explore the ethical and legal implications of this topic. The course will begin by helping the student understand the value of diversity in our society and allow the student to make self-examination of their own beliefs, values and biases. This will be followed by the dynamics involved when two cultures interact. Students will examine specific cultural characteristics as they apply to health care and propose ways of adapting diversity to the delivery of health care. The course will include an in-depth assessment of the Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services [CLAS] standards and cultural competency information available to healthcare organizations. This syllabus is designed for a 10 week quarter, including assignments, discussion board participation and exams. Prerequisite: Admission to the Department. Credit Hours: (3)