PSYCH 430 – Cross-Cultural Psychology

Description and Goals
This course will provide an overview of the basics of cross-cultural psychology, with a specific focus on Italy and its culture. Through the integration of theory and research findings with a continuous reflection on students’ lives in Florence, the course will examine the role of culture in human psychology and behavior. Special attention will be paid to topics which are relevant to the study abroad experience, including culture, ethnocentrism, acculturation, culture shock, intercultural communication, cultural views on relationships, mental health and development. Methodological issues of cross-cultural research will be addressed, and students will have the opportunity to conduct cross-cultural interviews and be participant-observers of their own experience here in Italy. The main goals will be to improve students’ understanding of cultural differences and similarities. Likewise, we shall aim to develop specific psychological abilities, such as observational and communication skills, which will help students to apply the acquired knowledge to their current experiences. The course will also promote students’ awareness of the influence that their own cultural identity and ethnocentrism play in cross-cultural situations.

Knowledge and understanding

After completing the course, students are expected to be able to:

• Understand the influence that both culture and context play in psychological processes, behavior, communication, attitudes, and values;
• Have a critical awareness of their own culture and how it can influence social interactions in different environments;
• Understand how the perception of others can shape personal identity;
• Critically evaluate cross-cultural psychological research and its generalizability (or not!).
• Understand the role that culture and different contexts play in psychological processes;
• Recognize how ethnocentrism can be an obstacle in intercultural interactions and communication;
• Identify and critique upon the ways in which cultural identity influences thoughts, behaviors, and social processes;
• Develop strategies to address cultural differences respectfully and effectively in both psychological research and real-life settings .

Course descriptions may be subject to occasional minor modifications at the discretion of the instructor.

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