Discover Venice: PSY 260: Social Psychology (D)
Social psychology is the science of how people are influenced by social life. It covers topics such as identity, relationships, social influence, emotions, groups, and decision making. It thus speaks to common questions everyone has about human nature, it speaks to everyday experiences, and it speaks to broader societal issues. One major focus of this class will be on the scientific method as a tool for uncovering these truths and providing answers to important questions about how people function. We will also discuss how social psychological theories relate to everyday life and the functioning of society as a whole.
Nearly every topic in the course is one that can be framed in relation to experiences traveling and adjusting to life abroad. The transition to life in Venice and the many new experiences you will be having should provide a nice backdrop against which to consider numerous phenomena discussed in social psychology including: the dynamic nature of identity (e.g., feeling especially American in Italy), how people learn about themselves (e.g., forming attitudes about new foods and experiences by observing their own behaviors), how it feels when the need to belong is challenged (e.g., when away from friends), and how relationships shift enormously over time (e.g., based on whom one is physically close to).
There are also many connections between the course and to life in Venice specifically: Venice, with its reputation as one of Europe's most romantic cities, will be a great setting for discussing the science of love and romantic relationships; nearby museums documenting World War II events will provide for a vivid discussion of tribal psychology and the danger of group-based conflict; and Venice's unique sustainability issues will provide an interesting case study in which to apply social psychological principles of behavior change. In short, the rich culture of Venice will make for an excellent experience and a perfect setting for learning about psychology of being social.
Summer Session II
July 7th - August 13th, 2024 |
| Overview |
PSY 260: Social Psychology (D)
Social psychology is the science of how people are influenced by social life. It covers topics such as identity, relationships, social influence, emotions, groups, and decision making. It thus speaks to common questions everyone has about human nature, it speaks to everyday experiences, and it speaks to broader societal issues. One major focus of this class will be on the scientific method as a tool for uncovering these truths and providing answers to important questions about how people function. We will also discuss how social psychological theories relate to everyday life and the functioning of society as a whole.
Nearly every topic in the course is one that can be framed in relation to experiences traveling and adjusting to life abroad. The transition to life in Venice and the many new experiences you will be having should provide a nice backdrop against which to consider numerous phenomena discussed in social psychology including: the dynamic nature of identity (e.g., feeling especially American in Italy), how people learn about themselves (e.g., forming attitudes about new foods and experiences by observing their own behaviors), how it feels when the need to belong is challenged (e.g., when away from friends), and how relationships shift enormously over time (e.g., based on whom one is physically close to).
There are also many connections between the course and to life in Venice specifically: Venice, with its reputation as one of Europe's most romantic cities, will be a great setting for discussing the science of love and romantic relationships; nearby museums documenting World War II events will provide for a vivid discussion of tribal psychology and the danger of group-based conflict; and Venice's unique sustainability issues will provide an interesting case study in which to apply social psychological principles of behavior change. In short, the rich culture of Venice will make for an excellent experience and a perfect setting for learning about psychology of being social. |
| Location |
Surrounded by water, Venice is an enchanting city built on 117 small islands. Its magnificent sights are best seen by walking along the narrow streets, crossing the many canals, and meandering through the piazzas. Piazza San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, and the Rialto bridge are three among numerous sites that make Venice an unforgettable city. In addition, Wake Forest students may conveniently explore on their own other parts of Italy such as Rome, Florence, Pompeii, Sicily among others.
In 1971, the University, with the assistance of Graham Martin, Ambassador to Italy and Wake Forest alumnus, leased the building that formerly housed the American Consulate. In 1974, the building was purchased by Wake Forest and named Casa Artom in honor of Dr. Camillo Artom, a professor at the Baptist Medical Center until 1969. His wife, Bianca Ara Artom, taught Italian at Wake Forest for many years and served as the director of Casa Artom during the summers until her death in 1994.
Casa Artom is a magnificent two-story building facing the Grand Canal. It is flanked by the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, which houses the Peggy Guggenheim art collection, and the magnificent 15th century home Ca'Dario. |
| Academics |
PSY 260: Social Psychology (D)
This course satisfies the divisional requirement for division IV.
Social psychology is the science of how people are influenced by social life. It covers topics such as identity, relationships, social influence, emotions, groups, and decision making. It thus speaks to common questions everyone has about human nature, it speaks to everyday experiences, and it speaks to broader societal issues. One major focus of this class will be on the scientific method as a tool for uncovering these truths and providing answers to important questions about how people function. We will also discuss how social psychological theories relate to everyday life and the functioning of society as a whole. |
| Faculty |
Dr. E.J. Masicampo
Associate Professor of Psychology
Email: masicaej@wfu.edu
(336) 758-7323
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| Accommodation |
Casa Artom can accommodate 18 students. There are eleven bedrooms, a library, classrooms, a dining room, a living room, two kitchens, a patio, and an open courtyard. Modern kitchen facilities are available, and students often prefer to cook their meals together in the house. The house is wired for Internet access and students may bring their laptop computers. The faculty director has a suite upstairs consisting of two bedrooms and a bath. Washers and dryers are available in the laundry room. Casa Artom is conveniently located close to the Academia, the Guggenheim Museum, churches, restaurants, coffee houses, and small grocery stores. Participants reside at Casa Artom where they will share rooms with other students.
NOTE: All students participating in the WFU Casa Artom program are required to live in program-provided housing. Housing accommodations you may have on campus do not automatically transfer to abroad and certain housing accommodations (single rooms and private bathrooms, for example) may not be available. |
| Excursions |
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| Selection |
The resident professor is responsible for the selection of each group based on the following criteria:
*Academic suitability
*Social and emotional maturity
*Seriousness of the student in pursuing the academic and cultural aims of the program |
| Costs |
The total cost of summer study abroad can be broken down into four categories:
Program Fee - Usually covers room, in-country travel, excursions, some meals and other costs associated with the program.
Tuition – Students on WFU summer programs pay WFU summer school tuition per credit hour. The 2023 summer rate was $950/per credit hour. Expect a small increase for summer 2024.
Airfare – Varies per location. Students are responsible for their own airfare unless otherwise noted.
Personal Expenses – These will vary depending on the students' spending habits, cost of living in the destination country, and the number of meals included in the program fee. This may also include visa fees, vaccinations, academic supplies/books and other miscellaneous daily expenses.
Program Fee - $4,372
Tuition (3hrs) - $2,850
Airfare (estimated) - $1,600
Personal Expenses (estimated) - $1,480
Estimated total cost - $10,302 |
| Scholarships |
Scholarships are available through the Center for Global Programs and Studies. |
| Visa & Passport |
Passport Information
Students need to check their passport's expiration date and ensure that it will be valid for at least 6 months after the program's end date.
Students going on a summer program need to make sure their passport is valid through at least mid-February of the following year.
US passport holders who need to renew their passport should visit the U.S. Department of State's passport website for information on this process.
Non-US passport holders who need to renew their passport should refer to their home country's passport office.
Visa Information
If you are a US citizen, you most likely will not require a visa for your summer abroad program. If you do, details will be shared with you by GPS. Non-US passport holders should check with their host country's embassy or consulate to find out if a visa is required for their program or not. |
| Contact |
Dr. E.J. Masicampo
Associate Professor of Psychology
Email: masicaej@wfu.edu
(336) 758-7323
Tyler Favale
Study Abroad Advisor
Center for Global Programs and Studies
336-758-4072
favalet@wfu.edu
Casa Artom Global Ambassador:
Willa Baker
bakewk20@wfu.edu
House Address:
Casa Artom
Dorsoduro 699
San Gregorio
30123 Venice, Italy
Phone: 011-39-041-522-2709
Fax: 011-39-041-522-0277 |
| Testimonials |
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