This
course outlines both the religious and cultural diversity within the
Muslim population of the United States. It examines the challenges American Muslim families face in
the United States and how these challenges affect their lives.
It explores issues related to marriage, marital
relationships, domestic abuse, child rearing, communication within
the family and conflict resolution techniques. Furthermore, it
emphasizes the ways for establishing support systems for Muslim
families and for dealing with the complex issues of Muslim teenagers
growing up in America.
Finally,
it will provide guidelines and practical skills on how to counsel
Muslim families on these as well as on other issues.
Required
Textbooks:
- Kobeisy,
A. (2004), Counseling American Muslims: Understanding the Faith
and Helping the People. Greenwood/PRAEGER. (Required)
- McGoldrick,
M, Giordano, J. & Perce, J. (Eds.), (1996), Ethnicity and
Family Therapy. The
Guilford Press. (Required).
- Richards,
P. & Bergin, A. (1999): Handbook of Psychotherapy and
Religious Diversity. The
American psychological Association. (Optional).
- A
Reader or articles on reserve: will be provided at the first
class meeting. (required)
Course
Requirements:
1.
Regular attendance and active participation.
In addition to physical presence in class during all times of
instruction, participation must includes initiating and responding
to classroom’s discussions. This component is worth 20% of the
grade. Unexcused
absences are not allowed.
2.
Final exam (40% total).
3. One research paper of at least five pages (30%). Before
you begin the research and develop a topic, submit a proposal for my
approval.
4. A daily journal in which you’ll write commentary and
analysis on both the readings and your experience in the class
(10%). I expect you to
be as analytical and critical as possible. The journals are due
every day for the previous day.
Extremely
Important:
- All
assignments are to be typed or printed and handed in on time.
Assignments must include references where appropriate and
bibliographies. It
is expected that you will proofread all your work before
submitting it.
- Required
readings for the day must be done in advance and prior to the
day in which it is listed.
- Food,
cell phones and beepers are prohibited during class.
Essential and needed rinks (e.g. coffee, soda, juice and
other non-alcoholic beverages) are allowed provided they do not
violate the college or facility rules or interfere with the
educational process.
Syllabus:
First week
meeting
1.
Introduction and Organization.
2.
Counseling: concept and practice
3.
Religion (Islam) and counseling
4.
Multicultural Counseling: meaning and competencies.
5.
Islam and Muslims: Diversity within Unity
6.
American Muslims: History and demography
7.
Film on Multicultural counseling and counseling techniques
Readings:
- Kobeisy:
Chapters 1,2 & 4
- McGoldrick
et al (Eds.): Chapter 1: Overview
- Handouts.
Required
work for the day:
1. Commentary and critique of reading and class activities.
2. Presentation in class about student’s experience and
understanding of counseling and Muslims.
3. Journal entry.
Second Meeting
1.
Muslims’ perception of counseling.
2.
Good and bad counseling through Muslims’ eyes.
3.
Issues for the American Muslim families.
4.
Identifying issues and recognizing limitations.
5.
Film on family systems and therapy.
Readings for
the day:
1.
Kobeisy: Chapters 3 & 5
2.
McGoldrick et al (Eds.): Chapter 5, 8, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28,
29, 44 & 46.
3.
Handouts
Required
work for the day:
1.
Commentary and critique of reading and class activities.
2.
Student’s research and presentation on the family structure
and challenges on one or more ethnic groups within the American
Muslim community.
3. Students’ practice of multicultural competency and
intercultural communication skills.
4. Journals.
Third Meeting
1.
Practical counseling to real issues facing American Muslim
families.
Readings for
the day:
1.
catching up.
2.
Handouts.
Required
work for the day:
1.
Practical Skills.
2.
Presentations
3.
Locating resources
4.
Final Exam
5.
Evaluation of the course
6.
Conclusion
Research paper is due.
