The INSTRUCTIONS
Please utilize the guidelines noted below in completing this assignment:
• The assignment will be approximately 12-14 pages for all three sections.
• Please note that the quality of your answer is important and use the approximate word
count pointed out in each section as you craft your responses for each section.
• Please use the current APA style which is the 7th edition of the APA publication manual
that includes information on appropriate formatting for section headings, levels of section
headings, in-text citations (narrative and parenthetical), and references. In addition,
review the sample professional paper for further specifics on APA formatting. For more
information on APA formatting and sample papers, please see the APA Format Quick
Guide link listed under the Benchmark Cultural Immersion Project: Research,
Events, and Interview Paper Resources header on the assignment page.
• Scholarly peer-reviewed sources must be published within the last 5 years.
• A minimum of eight (8) peer-reviewed sources are required for this assignment, and you
are welcome to use more as needed in your research.
• Other resources include government websites, professional organization websites,
university websites, relevant chapters from the McGoldrick et al. supplemental e-book
(link in the syllabus), and the Hays and Erford textbook.
Follow the instructions specified in each section and organize the paper based on the prompts
using appropriate APA section and sub-section heading formats (Level I, Level II, Level III,
etc.).
Part I: Research (minimum of six pages)
1. Four Key Elements – For this portion, you will select four (4) key elements (bullet points)
from the list below and elaborate on what was learned from the literature through scholarly
research (750 words minimum; cite and reference your sources):
• Inter-group characteristics (compared to other groups) and intra-group characteristics
(differences within the cultural group).
• Common attitudes, beliefs, and values that are held by the cultural group.
Prominent customs, practices, and behaviors of the cultural group.
• Attitudes or practices of the cultural group toward spirituality and/or religion (please
note that spirituality/religion may not be a central theme for some populations).
• Key historical events and figures impacting the cultural group and societal
perceptions of this group.
• History/patterns of immigration of this cultural group to the U.S.
2. Historical and Current Oppression (250 words minimum; cite and reference your sources).
Please summarize the historical and current oppression of the chosen cultural group. This
information is to help understand how the views of others toward the cultural group and
oppression may have impacted the cultural group. Ideas to explore can include the effects of
oppression and the subtle rules or unwritten practices of oppression within structures such as
companies, schools, organizations, etc. (cite peer-reviewed sources to support your
statements).
3. Research on Two Treatment Approaches (500 words minimum)
Research two journal articles on treatment approaches that have been utilized effectively with the
identified population. Use a separate heading for each article/treatment approach following the
instructions below (Be sure to cite and reference your peer-reviewed/scholarly source(s).
• Identify: List at least one treatment approach used in each article.
• Explain: Provide a concise summary (250 words max) of the information within each
article (i.e., concerns, treatment used, outcome effectiveness on the population).
• Analyze: In 150 words minimum, analyze the treatment approach identified in each
article with the Multicultural Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC). Using
the MSJCC as a guide and what you have learned about the population from your
research, make two recommendations that you would consider ensuring the treatment
approach is culturally relevant. Cite the specific MSJCC’s competency and location (such
as MSJCC I. 1. or MSJCC II).
Part II: Events (minimum of two pages)
During the current course term, you will attend and participate in two (2) in-person events
related to your selected cultural group, and these events can include (but not limited to) activities
such as community organization meetings, volunteer work with homeless shelters or food
kitchens, attendance at support group meetings, fund-raising events, school-related
meetings/activities, etc. One element to keep in mind is that even though an activity may involve
the cultural group, it does not mean you would learn about the cultural group. For example,
going to someone’s home who is from the approved population for a meal or event may not
include cultural practices that help you learn about them; however, there are populations that
have meals/events that have cultural significance such as a Shabbat meal for the Jewish
population or a quinceañera for those in the Latin culture. The key thing is to choose activities
that focus on the approved cultural group and that you can learn about them through these
activities. (NOTE: Eating at ethnic restaurants or shopping at a business owned by members of
the cultural group does not count as an event. In addition, each event must be distinct and have
a qualitatively different experience than the other. For example, attendance at two meetings that focus on the population would count as one event as they are similar experiences.) Your
total participation in the events should be four (4) hours – approximately two (2) hours per event
– where you engage in learning more about your chosen cultural group.
With any activity, it is important that you interact with members of the cultural group to develop
an understanding of the event and the motivations of individuals in participating in them.
Consider some of the following factors as you think about this portion: purpose of the activity or
event; cultural underpinnings for the events; and social/political/economic beliefs or values.
Follow the below instructions and question prompts:
• Two Attended Events – Identify the two attended events and describe your experience –
include dates, time spent, and geographic locations of the events. (minimum of 250
words).
• Three Key Things Learned About the Culture – What are three (3) key things you
learned about the culture through these events that were not reflected in your research?
Your answer should discuss what makes these three learned elements significant for the
culture. (minimum of 250 words).
Note that the research and events portion of the project is necessary to complete the final portion of this immersion project. Organize all the notes and resources you have gathered thus far to enable you to accomplish the interview portion of this project easily.
Part III: Interview (approximately 3-4 pages)
This portion of the Benchmark Cultural Immersion Project Assignment includes one (1)
interview focusing on the identified cultural group and an immersion summary experience. The interview will be with an individual or married couple from the selected cultural group to develop an understanding of what helped shape that individual’s or couple’s cultural identity.
The interview is a significant part of the immersion project as you get to hear the voices and
listen to the hearts of those involved with the population.
Please utilize the guidelines noted below in completing this assignment:
The interview section should be at least 700 words. Please note that the quality of your answer is important and use the approximate word count indicated in each section as you craft your responses for each section.
Possible themes that can be explored (but not limited to) during the interviews include:
• Earliest memories of recognizing membership in a culturally different group.
• The role of religion/spirituality.
• Immigration experiences.
• Similarities/differences between the individual’s or couple’s interactions in the U.S. to
the interactions with others in their own culture.
• School experiences as a member of a cultural minority.
• Experiences with subtle racism or discrimination.
• Experiences with overt racism or discrimination.
• Ways the person/couple chose his/her/their career(s) or made career choices.
• The experience of being different than other cultures.
Individual or Couple Interview Prompts
1. Share some of the background of the interviewee(s). What is their story? (Use some of
the prompts noted above to help gather information about the background of your
interviewee(s).) (approximately 300 words)
2. What are some of the key cultural events for this person/couple? Some examples of key
cultural events, positive or negative interactions with other cultures, experiences of
discrimination, holiday/religious celebrations, or festivals. (approximately 250 words)
3. Based on the interview experience, what knowledge about this cultural group was
added that you did not learn from the previous parts of this immersion assignment?
(NOTE: Share specifics on what you learned about the cultural group from the
interviewee(s) and not just what you learned about the interviewee(s).) (approximately
150 words)
NOTE: Indicate the individual who was interviewed by using the personal communication
citation, and review APA resources on how to format this type of citation. If interviewing a
couple, you can use one name for the personal communication citation using a pseudonym to
protect the person’s identity. Also, share a summary of the information rather than direct quotes.
Summary (minimum of 250 words)
After completing the interviews, write a summary of your reactions to the interview using the following prompts:
• Three General Insights – What (3) general insights have you learned about interacting
with a different population that can be applied to other populations? (Minimum of 125
words)
• Clinical Application with Diverse Clients – How will you apply these insights and new
knowledge in your future work with culturally different clients? (minimum of 125 words)
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool. As a reminder, please review and remain familiar with the AI announcement shared in the first week of class. In essence, this announcement states that it’s important to submit original work and not to use AI-assisted resources to write (or rewrite) sections (or even sentences) of your paper. While these resources are helpful to help with a word change or punctuation, it should NOT be used rewrite or generate language. If AI-generated language is used, it means it’s no longer your own language or your own work.
The Turnitin software has a reliable detection rate when AI-related work is utilized, and if there is detected AI use, then this can impact your grade significantly. There have been students who have used AI “accidentally” (and even intentionally) or didn’t realize certain settings were turned on, and as a result, their grades were reduced and some have received zeros on their papers. In addition, there are students who have failed courses due to AI use. I don’t say these things as a scare tactic but as a reality of things when AI is not used appropriately. So, please do keep this in mind as your work on papers and other assignments not only in this course but also the remainder of your academic journey.
BOOK INFORMATION:
Read: Hays and Erford: Chapters 10, 15