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Ethics & Diversity in Psychology (PSY419/PSY527)

Why do psychologists follow a code of ethics? How did the understanding of the necessity for enforcing ethical behavior in the profession historically arise? How does one become an ethical professional in the field of psychology? This course uses the ‘acculturation model’ for ethics training (Handelsman, Gottlieb, & Knapp, 2005) as the framework for student learning. Ethical reasoning, decision-making and practice in psychology within this approach are viewed as learned skills and behaviors, with a focus on dynamic ‘becoming’ rather than static ‘being’. In this course students will not only become familiar with the ethical standards in the field of psychology through the study of the Ethics codes of the American Psychological Association (APA) as well as the Ethics Code of the Psychologists of Kyrgyzstan, but also will reflect on their own positions regarding ethics through writing of an ethics autobiography as well as in-class discussions of multiple case studies. The course is divided into two main blocks - ethics in psychological research and ethics in psychological practice. In the first part of the course we will investigate instances of informed consent, abuse, deception, fabrication and conflict of interests in research in the field of psychology. The second block will be dedicated to the discussions of ethical dilemmas in psychotherapeutic practice such as the issues of setting boundaries, dealing with diversity, disclosure and confidentiality and risk management.

Teachers: Mohira Suyarkulova

Gender, Ethics & Politics of Violence

Teachers: Elena Molchanova

Graduate Writing, Thinking & Learning

Teachers: Chynara Bakyt kyzy

Graduate Writing, Thinking & Learning (Suyarkulova)

This course is designed to introduce students into graduate education at the American University of Central Asia. The class is focused on providing all students a set of skills and knowledge that will allow them to be successful throughout their program of study at the university. A major emphasis of this course is on mechanics of academic writing at the graduate and professional level. Through readings, discussion, weekly assignments and engagement in a specific research project, graduate students will develop writing and editing skills necessary for their future careers.

Overcoming the fear of writing is one of the challenges that this course attempts to address. Dealing with our feelings with regard to writing and creativity, creating customised evidence-based writing rituals and techniques, using writing as a process that helps one make sense of the world - these are all themes that we seek to tackle during this semester-long journey. Each student will undertake an ethnographic practicum, involving participant observation, interviews, work with archival materials and other methods. Each class session will include a short interactive lecture followed by a writing practice.