Spring Break in Italy

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Spring Break in Italy

Italy | Cross-Cultural Psychology

Dates: February 27 – March 8, 2025
Location: Palermo and Florence, Italy
Cost: $3,200
Included: airfare, accommodations, in-country transportation, meals, program events and activities, and study abroad fee
Application deadline: October 15th
Deposit: $575 November 1st (non-refundable)
Final payment deadline: $2,625 with spring tuition and fees deadline
Course information: PSY 275 – Cross Cultural Psychology

Requirements: In order to attend a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program, students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to Emily Dunn (dunn_ea@mercer.edu).

This 3-credit hour course is a combination of lecture and intensive field-experience designed to familiarize students with the key components of a cross-cultural approach to understanding human psychology. Students will tour Palermo and Florence, Italy during spring break where they will learn about the multiple cultural influences (Roman, Arabian, Norman) shaping modern Italy, from antiquity through the Renaissance to modern times.

For more information about this program please contact Dr. Tanya Sharon (sharon_t@mercer.edu, 478-301-2949) or the Study Abroad Office (studyabroad@mercer.edu, 478-301-4444).

As part of the semester long PSY 275 course, students will spend spring break in Italy, where they will experience:

a visit of the Palermo Royal Palace & Palatine Chapel
an afternoon in Monreale
a guided tour of Palermo’s food markets
a visit to Casa Professa, Santa Caterina, and Quatro Canti
a trip to Agrigento, Italy to visit well-preserved Greek temples
a visit to the Baroque of Ragusa
a visit to a chocolate factory
a visit to Etna
a trip to Florence, Italy
a day trip to Pisa to visit Campo dei Miracoli

*These activities are subject to change based on availability when booking.

To apply: Please click on the “Apply Now” button in the overview section and fill out all of the information requested.

Application deadline: October 15th
Decision date: October 16th
Deposit: $575 (non-refundable) due by November 1st to hold your place in the program.
Final payment deadline: $2,625 by spring tuition and fees deadline

PSY/ANT 275 – Cross Cultural Psychology

3 Credit Hours

Course Description

Psychology is often defined as the scientific study of the human mind and behavior.
However, much of psychological research (as much as 90% in some areas) has been
conducted with college undergraduates who are disproportionately white and female. The field of cultural psychology aims to broaden our understanding of truly human psychology with a comparative perspective, showing how varied human psychologies are, and how they are shaped by our different cultures-thus raising questions about human nature.

At the completion of course, the successful student will be able to:

Use the concepts, language, and major theories of cultural psychology to account for psychological phenomena.
Critically reflect on the ways in which their own psychology is a product of their culture.
Articulate how the field of cultural psychology challenges and enriches the field of psychology as a whole.
Apply course knowledge at the local level to gain insight into current cultural issues in Italy.
Approach cultural differences with an attitude of curiosity and openness