CBSC 230 – Emotion Valuation and Well-Being

Photo of Copenhagen.

Washington and Lee University Center for International Education Spring Term Abroad Spring Term Abroad 2026 CBSC 230 – Emotion Valuation and Well-Being
Center for International Education
Four credits, EXP
Two weeks in Denmark; two weeks on campus*
Professors Karla Murdock and Wythe Whiting

*Saturday/Sunday April 25/26 - Saturday/Sunday May 9/10: Copenhagen, Denmark
May 11 - May 22: Lexington, VA

This course is open to all students with no prerequisites.

Students riding bikes in Denmark
This course explores emotions and the meaning we ascribe to them. Drawing from theory and research in cognitive, affective, social, and behavioral science, we will consider how emotional experiences are defined, valued, and pursued or avoided. We will examine cultural influences on emotions in the United States and Denmark, which is routinely identified as one of the “happiest” countries in the world. As we question practices and structures associated with individual and societal variations in self-reported well-being, we will pay special attention to the Scandinavian concept of hygge. In Copenhagen our work will be centered at the Danish Institute of Study Abroad (DIS) and a full plate of class activities will allow us to critically reflect on conditions that support well-being in two cultural contexts.

Program fee (paid to W&L): $4,605 
Includes programming, room, some meals (daily breakfast, ~4 lunches, ~4 dinners) fees, most in-country transportation, and transportation to the airport from W&L.

Additional costs: airfare, most lunches and dinners, cell phone, books, spending money, passport, and visa fees (if applicable).

For further details, please contact Professors Murdock and Whiting.

The information session for this course will take place on October 6, 2025, at 7 pm in the Center for Global Learning Attrium (by the tea house).

Center for International Education

Mark Rush

Director

Hunter Swanson

International Student Advisor

Cindy Irby

Associate Director and Study Abroad Advisor

Jillian Murphy

Senior Assistant Director of International Education and Study Abroad Coordinator

Kristy Reed

Center for International Education Office Manager

Center for International Education

  • Campus Address
    Ruscio Center for Global Learning
    Room 145
    Mailing Address
    Center for International Education
    204 W. Washington St.
    Washington and Lee University
    Lexington, Virginia 24450