Course #2 PSYC 100: General Psychology (5 credits)
Course Description:
Introduction to the scientific study of human behavior including research methods, brain and behavior, learning (classical and operant conditioning), cognitive psychology, development, personality, abnormal psychology, and social thinking and behavior. No prior knowledge of psychology is required to register for this class.
Integration of Location and Cultural Venues into Course:
The city of Barcelona is sometimes referred to as the city between “el mar y la montaña” (the sea and the mountains) due to its unique geographical location that is comprised of a walkable inner-city infrastructure, tall mountains, and beautiful beaches. We will incorporate this biodiverse scenery when we cover the chapter on “Memory” and talk about a concept called “memory palace”. We will take a physical walk around the Gothic Quarter or Parc de la Ciutadella and associate certain objects with specific numbers. Then, we will then take a “mental walk” by replaying the walk in our heads to better remember the numbers that we associated with each object (memory champions often use this concept to help them remember the long digits of pi). When students learn about “personality assessments”, they will notice how Spaniards (compared to Americans) score differently on factors of extraversion, conscientiousness (i.e., organized and timeliness), and openness to experience; these differences may be due to the Spanish culture or the year-round sunny climate that Barcelona receives (we will investigate). When we cover the topic of “Psychological Disorders”, I will teach about schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, and narcissistic personality disorder. When we visit Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and the Picasso Museum, students will be able to see how extraordinary artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali suffered from mental illness and how they communicated this in their artwork. Students will leave the class with greater empathy towards people who have a lifestyle different than their own, and with a greater appreciation towards the Spanish culture.
Course #3 PSYC 245: Social Psychology (5 credits)
Course Description:
Explores how social settings (i.e., groups, culture, context) influence the individual. Examines the effect of others on self-concept, social cognition, aggression, conformity, helping, self-awareness theory, competition and cooperation, and prejudice and discrimination. Research on contemporary issues around race, gender, and other social identities will be covered and discussed. No prior knowledge of psychology is required to register for this class.
Integration of Location and Cultural Venues into Course:
In 2017, a referendum allowed Catalan regional parliament to declare the state as an independent and autonomous community. Catalans have a very strong sense of identity to their culture, and this may affect how they perceive themselves, other Spaniards, as well as how they interpret the world. The focus of this class is a multicultural perspective of how we can learn more about ourselves based on the social interactions that we have with other people. We will cover the topic of “self-awareness theory” to take an introspective look at our own behaviors to determine whether they align with our values; a recurring theme that will resurface is regarding “the self” and “identity”. We will learn how the mixed identity of being Catalan, European, and Spanish can influence people to conform to the “majority” and how it can lead to a feeling of competition towards anyone who is different. We will discuss how the Spanish are impacted by Catholicism, but also how they may not prescribe to some Catholic practices (which may lead to a psychological state of “cognitive dissonance” in which one’s attitudes are incongruent with one’s behaviors). We will cover the topic of social perception to better understand how characteristics of non-verbal communication (body language, facial expressions, hand gestures, etc.) can be interpreted differently based on different cultures. For example, Spanish customs in conversations are very different from those of Americans (e.g., greeting each other with kisses on the cheek, engaging in physical contact during conversations, standing very close to one’s personal space, etc.). The final project will require students to apply social psychological techniques in a given setting of their choice (ex: speaking with a local at a market, discussing art at a museum with a Spaniard, ordering food at a restaurant, etc.)
This is an academic program and students are required to enroll in a full-time course load (15 credits). Failure to participate in the academic coursework may result in dismissal from the program. Students are encouraged to make the most of their classroom learning, as it will enhance understanding of all the local area has to offer.
EXCURSIONS/ACTIVITIES
- One two-night weekend trip to explore another area of Spain such as The Basque Country, Costa Brave, Valencia, etc. (the exact location will be announced approximately one month prior to the program start date)
- Three day-trips (welcome hike and two excursions outside of Barcelona)
- Weekly cultural activities to get to know Barcelona and local life such as guided tours, cooking class, and more
- Welcome & farewell meals
- The Barcelona SAE Bucket List – 100 ways to experience the city of Barcelona through a local lens
INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
You may use your free time on weekends to explore the neighborhoods and beaches of Barcelona, travel throughout Spain or beyond to some of Europe’s great cities including London, Amsterdam, Florence, and Paris.
COSTS:
$7260
After a deposit or final payment is collected, this money will not be refunded. If a student or faculty member should decide not to participate in an activity or excursion, no money will be refunded.
INCLUDED
- Homestay with daily breakfast and dinner and weekly laundry service
- 24/7 emergency contact service
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- Onsite Orientation
- Public transportation pass for Barcelona city
- Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Welcome and Farewell meals
- All Excursions/Activities listed above
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare
- College tuition & fees for 15 credits
- Course books/materials
- Passport & visa fees, if applicable
- Meals not mentioned above
- Personal expenses
- Anything not specified as included in the program
- Optional personal effects coverage and medical insurance upgrade
SCHOLARSHIPS
- WCCCSA Barcelona participants are all eligible for the $1,000 WCCCSA scholarship.
- In addition, students participating in the Barcelona program are eligible for and encouraged to apply to the TODOS scholarships offered by our partner, Barcelona Study Abroad Experience: https://www.barcelonasae.com/scholarships
PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION (mandatory)
A team of WCCCSA Study Abroad Coordinators will provide all pertinent logistics, health, and safety information to help you prepare for your study experience in Barcelona. The faculty member will also discuss their course details, and academic and behavioral expectations. You should also invite parents, guardians, or whomever you feel should attend with you. Lunch will be included.
- Date: Saturday August 16, 2025
- Time: 10am-3pm
- Location: TBD
What to bring:
- Signed copy of the Student Guidelines
- Copy of your passport
- Flight itineraries
- Notepad and pen to take notes
- And questions
