HUMN 102 The Psychology of Happiness: A Humanities Approach

This course will examine the concept of the psychology of happiness and its focus on resiliency efforts to enhance optimism, decrease stressors, and increase subjective well-being. The course will approach the study of this area from a philosophical and humanities-based perspective. Along with lectures, assigned readings and activities, and guest speakers, the course will be structured to incorporate participatory, experiential, and interactive learning methods intended to create an environment conducive to learning new concepts, skills, and applications in the growing field of “happiness.” Study in this area is often labeled ‘positive psychology.’ Although this course will introduce positive psychology through background reading, it will delve more deeply into the history of ways in which happiness is attained, as well as explore various methods by which individuals have attained and enhanced happiness and subjective well-being as a matter of course in their lives.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

1. 1. Identify and apply critical theories and concepts related to the principles, definitions,
   strategies, and skills of happiness and subjective well-being.
   
2. 2. Understand, practice, and evaluate strategies toward increasing happiness and overall
   quality of life, incorporating innovation, risk-taking, and creativity into analysis and problem
   solving methods.
3. 3. Pose and address questions related to happiness in life situations.
4. 4. Assess, reflect on, and critically analyze the role(s) and value of gratitude, spirituality, flow,
   altruism, forgiveness, flourishing, and hope as they pertain to happiness and subjective wellbeing.
5. 5. Access assessment tools available for measuring/re-measuring happiness to assist in
   acquiring insight into individual strengths and virtues.

Course Objectives

1. 1. Identify and apply critical theories and concepts related to the principles, definitions,
   strategies, and skills of happiness and subjective well-being.
   
2. 2. Understand, practice, and evaluate strategies toward increasing happiness and overall
   quality of life, incorporating innovation, risk-taking, and creativity into analysis and problem
   solving methods.
3. 3. Pose and address questions related to happiness in life situations.
4. 4. Assess, reflect on, and critically analyze the role(s) and value of gratitude, spirituality, flow,
   altruism, forgiveness, flourishing, and hope as they pertain to happiness and subjective wellbeing.
5. 5. Access assessment tools available for measuring/re-measuring happiness to assist in
   acquiring insight into individual strengths and virtues.