SSWK171 Sexual Orientations - LGBT Issues in Counseling/CAC

Department of Social & Behavioral Science: Social Services

  1. Course Number and Title

    SSWK171 Sexual Orientations - LGBT Issues in Counseling/CAC

  2. Number of Credits

    2 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    1500 minutes

  4. Prerequisites

    None

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    This course is approved for 30 CAC contact hours by the PCACB.

  6. Catalog Course Description

    This course will present information relating to the development and experiences of sexual orientation with an emphasis on sexual minority populations. It will include information on the continuum of sexual orientation development. The focus will be on myths. realities, homophobia, and sensitive intervention techniques of sexual minorities.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      The course is designed to introduce students to little known issues relating to the experience and development of sexual orientation particularly among the sexual minority populations. An emphasis will be placed on issues of homophobia and internal homophobia, its neurotic classification and evaluation and intervention techniques. At the conclusion of the course, students should be able to make clear distinctions between myths and realities with respect to sexual minorities. The students should also have a working knowledge of the phenomenon known as internalized homophobia, its destructive characteristics, how it serves as a trigger for drug and alcohol problems and relapse, and how to help clients move beyond such barriers. Students will also be aware of issues relating to LGBT youth and possess the tools to delve deeper into their own homophobia issues (whether the student be heterosexual or homosexual). An increased awareness of differences and similarities within and between the populations will also be an outcome of this course.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      Learning will occur through the use of films, didactic, and experiential activities, a reaction paper and short answer test. Myths and Stereotypes LGBT Realities Today Homophobia, Sources, Experiential Uncovering, Causes and Coping, Internalized and External Homophobia Working with Sexual Minority Clients LGBT Youth Parents and Families - Coming Out, Processing Relationship Maintenance Gay and Lesbian Parents Drug and Alcohol Issues Normalizing Lives, Joys, and Issues Religion and Homophobia

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      A test acceptable to the department, plus films and handouts from the instructor will be issued in this course.

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    The instructor will make use of lecture and experiential activities in the class instruction. Films may be used to demonstrate techniques or current attitudes.

Review/Approval Date - 10/99