Course Outline

Positive Psychology deals with the psychology of subjective well-being. Research investigating happiness & life satisfaction will be reviewed. Students will be encouraged to compare & contrast their implicit theories of well-being with the research generated by psychologists working in this field. The emphasis on "positive thinking" which has evolved out of positive psychology will receive a critical examination. Hopefully students will acquire information that will allow them, if they desire, to acquire ways of incresing their subjective well-being.   

1. Weekly Assignments: Class time will consist of a lecture, videos and a question/answer period over the lecture and  assigned  internet readings. Any internet readings listed under a given date should be read by that date; therefore you should be repared to cover this material in class that day.

2. Group Interaction: If time remains after the lecture/class discussion, time will be spent in small groups. This time will consist of group discussions and/or extra credit projects. 

3. Positive Psychology Interventions: Students will be required to carry out  3 of the interventions described in the blog.  Each intervention lasts 3 weeks. A one page summary and reaction paper to your experience is required. You must show that you completed the intervention and thought about what you experienced. Papers must be turned in  during class; no email submissions will be accepted. No papers  will be accepted after 3:00 pm the date they are due.

Intervention I:  Paper due: 10/14

Intervention II:  Paper due: 11/04

Intervention III:  Paper due: 12/02

Intervention Assignments

4. Exams: None

7. Peter &/or Dan will be available to meet with students before class and by appointment. They can be reached  by email  to set up a time.