Psychology

3 semester credits. What is “normal”? When asking ourselves this question, we often look to what is beyond the typical to contextualize what we consider normal. From the perspective of psychology, we all exhibit behavior at times that is not considered typical; but what is the line in which the behavior goes from quirky to clinical? This course aims to look deeper into the disordered personality to better understand the topics associated with abnormal psychology, with an emphasis on the classification, assessment and etiology of disorders, as well as analysis of the historical, cultural and sociological aspects as they relate to diagnosis. Examination of mood, personality, dissociative, and psychotic disorders, as well as fear and anxiety and the effects of stress will all be addressed in this course to allow students to gain a critical understanding of the factors that contribute to their causes and clinical approaches. As this course takes place in Italy, the Italian perspective of mental health will be a fundamental aspect of cultural analysis to develop a global sensitivity towards the topics the addressed. Prerequisites: Introductory course on research methods in psychology or equivalent.

3 semester credits. Over the recent decades, globalization has brought about a phenomenon that has increasingly been recognized by both psychologists and anthropologists as a viable field of research: Culture Shock. Also referred to as "culture fatigue" or "role shock," culture shock refers to the reactions of travelers during their first few months in a foreign country. This course presents culture shock within the context of cross-cultural psychology and places a specific emphasis on the students' own experiences as they live and study in a foreign country. Topics explored will include the role of communication and communication norms, cultural variables, taboos and rituals, and cultural adjustment.

3 semester credits. This graduate-level course examines the elements that contribute to successful pathways in any professional field: the traits of leaders, the skills of the entrepreneur, and the ethical issues that support outcomes of both. Modern entrepreneurship is more than an act of starting a business; it is about presenting and promoting solutions for change that comes to life through great leadership. This course will assess the role of the leader in diverse contexts and the ethical challenges that influence and determine how they divulge their ideas. The development of interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills through case studies and interactive workshops will be a primary focus of this course. Prerequisites: Successful completion of an undergraduate degree is required for this course.

3 semester credits. The Tarot is a colorful set of symbols sprung from the human imagination, depicting essential human experiences and patterns of development that are archetypal in their nature. Such archetypal images provide means of accessing the unconscious like dreams, myth, art, and poetry. This course presents a piercing interpretation of the Tarot cards in terms of Jungian psychology. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of Jungian archetypes, through analogy with the humanities, mythology, and the graphic arts. The journey portrayed by the Tarot presents the main experiences, influences and dramas in our lives, and also parallels the inner journey of individuation. In this way the cards can be used as a focus for meditation and contemplation, leading to the development of self-knowledge and spiritual growth.

3 semester credits. #MeToo has rapidly moved from a social media hashtag to an international movement that demands changes in society towards how and what we view as sexual harassment. The power of the internet has become an integral tool in promoting empowerment through empathy by bringing together individuals that have been subject to harassment, and by exposing the predators that have exploited their power through pressure as well as force. This course aims to present a comprehensive history of sexual harassment to give the student a better understanding of how past events have contributed to the current movement. Examination of how the shifting standards of the 21st century have created a foundation for new definitions of acceptable behavior will provide an important tool for critical analysis of conduct between genders. Evaluation of sexual harassment in gender relations will create new perspectives and sensitivity to the current movement as a way reinforce #MeToo, not just an assessment of a viral trend, but as a tipping point in contemporary society.

3 semester credits. "We see the world as we do, not because that is the way it is, but because we have these ways of seeing" (Wittgenstein). Social psychology is a scientific discipline that explores how the individual is influenced by social contexts. Students will learn to identify how social, environmental, and cognitive factors shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. The course covers theories regarding attraction, aggression, conformity, and pro-social behavior. As this course is taught in Italy, students will have the advantage of observing and testing theories learned in class in a foreign environment.

4 semester credits. "We see the world as we do, not because that is the way it is, but because we have these ways of seeing" (Wittgenstein). Social psychology is a scientific discipline that explores how the individual is influenced by social contexts. Students will learn to identify how social, environmental, and cognitive factors shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. The course covers theories regarding attraction, aggression, conformity, and pro-social behavior. As this course is taught in Italy, students will have the advantage of observing and testing theories learned in class in a foreign environment. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.

3 semester credits. The garden is a space traditionally associated with food cultivation and recreational activity, both are known to have an influence on wellbeing. This course explores a culture of wellness based on the fundamentals of horticulture therapy and the use plants and green spaces, as well as horticultural and culinary activities to promote wellbeing. Students will explore the traditions related to garden activities to foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical wellbeing for individuals and specific groups (i.e. the elderly, children, individuals with special needs) in a variety of settings. Adapting horticultural therapy in diverse site conditions from sowing to cultivation and the preparation of food products from the garden harvest will be a focus of this course. Course topics will include principles of horticulture, soils and soil cultivation, plant propagation, and harvesting, and the therapeutic potential of farm to table practices. Students will experience first-hand the restorative powers of green spaces through garden management and cooking labs to examine the benefits of the natural environment as a fundamental outcome of this course. This course includes an Experiential Learning Project with CEMI.

4 semester credits. The garden is a space traditionally associated with food cultivation and recreational activity, both are known to have an influence on wellbeing. This course explores a culture of wellness based on the fundamentals of horticulture therapy and the use plants and green spaces, as well as horticultural and culinary activities to promote wellbeing. Students will explore the traditions related to garden activities to foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical wellbeing for individuals and specific groups (i.e. the elderly, children, individuals with special needs) in a variety of settings. Adapting horticultural therapy in diverse site conditions from sowing to cultivation and the preparation of food products from the garden harvest will be a focus of this course. Course topics will include principles of horticulture, soils and soil cultivation, plant propagation, and harvesting, and the therapeutic potential of farm to table practices. Students will experience first-hand the restorative powers of green spaces through garden management and cooking labs to examine the benefits of the natural environment as a fundamental outcome of this course. This course includes an Experiential Learning Project with CEMI. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.