Positive Psychology and Well-Being Theory

Spring 2024
Olympia
Weekend
Freshman - Senior
Class Size: 25
8 Credits per quarter
Log in to add this offering to your saved list.
Taught by

Beyond Western psychology’s early focus on pathology and the negative aspects of human experience—what’s "wrong" with us—a new science has emerged over the last 25 years to understand humans at their best. This expanding worldwide collaborative effort has begun to empirically investigate, and experientially increase, what “makes life worth living.” The objectives for this course include development of an advanced body of knowledge (and experience) regarding the positive aspects of human existence, as well as specific strategies for achieving meaning and purpose, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and resilience that serve positive emotion, positive character, positive institutions and communities, and positive organizational scholarship.

To the extent that basic psychological processes are shaped by the nuances of nature and nurture, and that living environments create the context for human expression and fulfillment, we will broadly examine the science of life satisfaction, applying practical strategies that promote wellbeing and quality of life in all social interactions, across cultures, as well as in the natural world.  Students will be "living" much of this material, devising and discovering ways to apply this new science to personal and professional development. Through the lens of love, work, play, and service to others, we will engage in activities that build what contemporary scholars have deemed “the good life.”

This program is relevant for careers in psychology, sociology, education, media, journalism, government, criminal justice, law. Credits will be awarded in sub-disciplines of psychology (such as positive psychology, well-being theory, developmental psychology, and social psychology).

Registration

Spring 2024 Registration

Academic details

Fields of Study
Preparatory for studies and careers in

psychology, sociology, education, media, journalism, government, criminal justice, law

Credits
8
Maximum Enrollment
25
Class Standing
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior

Schedule

Time Offered
Weekend
Schedule Evergreen link
see Schedule Evergreen for detailed schedule
Location
Olympia