PSY 110
The Science of Well Being
Have you heard of Blue Zones? As featured in the new Netflix series, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, Blue Zones are global regions with especially high quality and length of life. Through years of study, several common factors have been identified as contributors to the health and longevity of these regions.
- Greece – In May 2023, 17 students traveled with Drs. Law and Golski to Athens, Greece and the Aegean island of Ikaria where they toured thousand-year-old historic sites, explored ancient forests, collected wild herbs, took cooking classes, danced with locals, forged friendships, made memories, and gained insight into Blue Zone habits they could incorporate into their daily routine once home.
- Japan – In May 2024, students had the opportunity to explore the Blue Zone Okinawa, as well as the wonders of the Japanese cities of Tokyo and Kyoto.
BHP 253
A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Play
This course examines similarities and differences in children’s play across a variety of cultures. Topics of the course include the development of play, the benefits of play, and the use of play as a therapy tool. The course meets for a half semester, then travels to a foreign country (e.g., Sweden in 2022; Japan in 2024; intention is Italy in 2026) for firsthand observation of and engagement in play at local spaces designed for children and families. Observations made in the United States before departure are used as a basis for comparison. The course counts toward the Psychology major as a Diversity perspective course or toward the general education requirements as a Social Perspectives or a Global Perspectives course. It also counts for 3 points of Engaged Learning. The course is designed for honors students, but non-honors students are welcome to apply to be a part of the course if seats remain after registration.
