New and Updated Course Descriptions

PSY 109 - Positive Psychology

3 Credits

Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the individual characteristics and environmental conditions that allow human beings to flourish. This course takes an empirical and experiential approach to helping individuals understand and use course content to enhance their lives. Topics covered may include happiness and well-being, positive emotions and thinking, character strengths and virtues, motivation and self-control, resilience and post-traumatic growth, and healthy relationships and institutions.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the basic premises of Positive Psychology, and analyze criticisms of the field.
2. Identify different ways to define and measure happiness, as well as variables that are related/unrelated to happiness and well-being.
3. Describe the history of Positive Psychology and its relationship to traditional psychology.
4. Identify the difference between values and character strengths. Use signature strengths in new ways.
5. Identify the components of enabling institutions.
6. Demonstrate comprehension of research and current theories in Positive Psychology.
7. Employ Positive Psychology interventions to increase personal well-being.

Course Offered Fall, Spring