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EMU Foundations of Psychological Theory & Method (Outgoing Program) Print  Save  Share
  • Locations: London, United Kingdom; Paris, France
  • Program Terms: Winter Intersession
  • Budget Sheets: Winter Intersession
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Winter Intersession 2026 12/01/2025 12/05/2025 05/03/2026 05/11/2026
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language of Instruction: English Click here for a definition of this term Program Type: Faculty-Led Abroad
Field of Study: All majors are welcome, Psychology
Program Description:

Foundations of Psychological Theory & Method

freudCourse: PSY 479 or PSY 592
Credits: 3
Eligibility: Open to all EMU students in good academic standing and guest students. Must be at least 18 years old at the time of travel.

Program Overview
The primary goal of this course was to provide students with an in-depth and contextual learning experience of the birth of scientific and practicing psychology. The focus was on the emergence of scientific thinking during the enlightenment in Europe, primarily France and England. For the class you are expected to be or become familiar with the lives and influence of Rene Descartes and Sir Francis Bacon. You are expected to understand their roles in the formulation of theory and research (experiments). Additionally, the course will also connect this line of thinking to the practice of psychological therapies historically, and we will review how theory and methods to treat mental illnesses changed over time in France and England.

Program Highlights
Paris
  • Catacombs
  • Paris Salpêtrière Hospital
  • Liberation museum 
  • Paris Royal Gardens at Saint-Germain-en-Laye
London
  • Bethlam Hospital
  • Freud Museum
  • Royal Society
  • University of London Senate Library

Required On-Campus Class Meetings
During the winter term, students will be expected to attend a few meetings. These meetings will be devoted to discussion of course content in preparation for the travel portion of the course. ​

Instructor Information
Dr. McIntyre's research examines social cognition, primarily focusing on role models and on stereotype threat. One goal of his research is to understand who is a role model, and what makes a role model influential. Part of that research has investigated why role models are inspirational, and how ability perceptions affect role model identification. The results indicate that role models are most effective when their success is attributed internally, and the role models are perceived as relevant to the targeted audience. He also uses this research to improve the lives and experiences of individuals. Another goal of his is to understand how and why stereotype threat causes deficits in decision making and intellectual test performance. This research has investigated how stereotype threat affects cognitive resources leading to underperformance or skewed decisions in women, racial minorities, athletes, and individuals from disadvantaged economic backgrounds. The research has also demonstrated that threat impairs performance through extra-task negative thinking.

Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid and many EMU scholarships may be applied to the tuition and fees for this approved program. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for more information on how to use your financial aid and scholarships to help cover the costs of studying abroad. Find information on national and EMU scholarships specifically for students that wish to study abroad at emich.edu/abroad/financialaid/scholarships.