Fall 2009

PSY 341k • Positive Psy & the Good Life - W - Carlson

Course Description

This course provides a survey of the emerging field of Positive Psychology, including: o defining and assessing happiness and "the good life"; o personality, emotional, cognitive, & motivational contributions to well-being; o human strengths, virtues, and values; o the issue of whether happiness should and/or can be increased; o the good life considered from spiritual, evolutionary, economic, sociological, and cross-cultural perspectives; and o applications of positive psychology to issues such as social change and public policy.

Class format will utilize both didactic and interactive components, with active participation expected from students in class discussions and exercises, as well as in assignments outside the classroom.

Grading Policy

Writing assignments, class participation, and a final examination.

Texts

1) Peterson, C. (2006), A Primer in Positive Psychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2) Course packet

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