5009176: FU_Happiness. An Introduction to Positive Psychology (Lecture)

Description

Everyone wants to be happy. But which road leads to a happy life? A life with lots of fun and adventures? A successful career? Or maybe a life full of meaning? Positive Psychology has been trying to answer these and similar questions, not by doing armchair thinking but by handing out questionnaires and asking real people about their life circumstances and their level of happiness. This course intends to give a state-of-the-art introduction to the science of Positive Psychology. Students will learn about Martin Seligman's PERMA-model, which posits that happiness consists of five elements. And they will try out happiness exercises (so-called: positive psychological interventions), which have been scientifically proven to increase happiness levels. We will also cover a broad range of happiness-related topics like the importance of love for a good life, the link between money and happiness, the effects of social media on our quality of life, the connection between character strengths (optimism, humour, grit, etc.) and happiness, the idea of meaningful work, etc. In order to get a deeper understanding of particular issues, we will also include key insights from closely-related disciplines like behavioral economics, the art of living (a branch of philosophy) and the sociology of work.

In between every course unit a range of tasks has to be completed. Key insights from the lecture should be written down in the diary. A very typical homework is the testing of a so-called positive psychological intervention. Students are asked to record their personal experiences with these practical exercises in the diary as well. Furthermore in preparation for the up-coming course unit there may be some required reading or watching of a video-clip (e.g. a TED Talk).

Lecture Goals

Students will get a good grasp of a complex topic: Happiness. Basic ideas and central findings from Positive Psychology will be presented and discussed. Students' lay theories of happiness will be put to a test. They are asked to reflect on current views of the good life and to implement happiness exercises into their own life.

Learning Outcomes

Students learn about different paths to a happy life and are familiar with the concept of "the full life". They can name their own character strengths and can identify strengths in other people. They are aware that happiness is closely tied to a certain mindset. They have experimented with positive psychological interventions and have adapted them so that they fit their personal lifestyle. Finally, they realize that looking at happiness through the lens of different fields (psychology, philosophy, sociology, economics) gives a richer picture of that topic.

Lectures Method

The lecturer offers an interactive course that explains key findings and central concepts of Positive Psychology. Students are regularly asked to discuss ideas and try out exercises. Homework consists of reading texts, watching video-clips, filling in questionnaires, etc. Plus, it is strongly suggested that students write a diary in order to develop their thinking about happiness.

Admission Requirements

Solid knowledge of English is a prerequisite for attending this course. Plus, a certain degree of broad-mindedness is required since students should be open to question their own beliefs and to share personal experiences.

Literature

Text material will be uploaded to the moodle platform regularly.
Optional: For highly curious students the following popular science books by eminent figures within the Positive Psychology movement can be recommended:

• J. Haidt: The Happiness Hypothesis. Putting Ancient Wisdom and Philosophy to the Test of Modern Science.
• M. Seligman: Flourish. A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being.
• S. Lyubomirsky: The How of Happiness. A Practical Guide to Getting the Life You Want.
• S. Lyubomirsky: The Myths of Happiness. What Should Make You Happy, But Doesn't, What Shouldn't Make You Happy, But Does.

Materials

After every unit the powerpoint presentation will be uploaded to the moodle platform. It is highly recommended to attend the lecture itself and to take notes during the lecture. In preparation for every unit teaching material will be provided - these are short articles, TED talks, etc.

Comments

Cross-faculty elective subject:
Notice the special Multi-stage allocation process.