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PDEV 0075 - Study of Happiness and Well-Being

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/pdev-0075/

Catalog Description Hours: 54 lecture Description: An overview of happiness and well-being through current theory and research in positive psychology. This course explores the relationships between positive psychology, psychological theories, and the application of strategies to enhance happiness and well-being. Topics include personal strengths, gratitude, meaning and social connection. Emphasis on analyzing theories, cultural perspectives, research methods, and empirical evidence, all with a direct application to everyday life, including finding meaning in relationships, career, and life. (CSU) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Analyze and describe theories of positive psychology and well-being that are relevant to life success. CSLO #2: Explain the importance and influence of social and cultural diversity in happiness, well-being, and personal development. CSLO #3: Develop the ability to identify and employ strategies from positive psychology to positively impact well-being in personal, social, and professional contexts. CSLO #4: Analyze and critique research studies pertaining to well-being and their conclusions using the scientific method, research methods and ethical standards used in the field of psychology. Effective Term Fall 2024 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours 108 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives Explain the major theories and research findings in the field of positive psychology. Identify and apply personal and socially relevant positive psychology techniques and principles to enhance one’s own happiness and well-being. Compare the theoretical knowledge of the level of contribution of nature and nurture to one’s level of happiness. Evaluate the truth of popular claims regarding the nature of happiness and its influences on happiness through the discovery, evaluation, and interpretation of psychological theories. Analyze the respective roles of positive subjective experiences, positive individual traits, and positive institutions in creating and maintaining positive lives. Apply Positive Psychology theory to situations of life, career, and work productivity. Describe cultural aspects and diversity within the study of happiness and well-being. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Behavioral Sciences AA/AS - Health Ed/Physical Ed AA/AS - Social Sciences CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) Articulation Information CSU Transferable UC Transferable Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Example: The class will collaborate on compiling a list of the types of happiness and well-being and personal examples of each kind. This list is used in a later class session where the groups will select theories and strategies to enhance well-being and happiness for each type and talk through how they could have been used in their personal situations. Grading is based on participation and journal entries reflecting on which coping/management technique they will be working on. Projects Example: Students will develop a Self- Improvement Project in which they will identify a behavior(s) to change, examine behaviors that contribute to and impair the process of change, assess their personal stage of change, identify and implement appropriate change strategies, and evaluate their results. Skill Demonstrations Example: In small groups, students will evaluate popular claims regarding the nature of happiness and its influences on happiness and present to the class through a virtual gallery showcasing their findings. Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lecture: The instructor will introduce different theories of positive psychology, happiness, and well-being and the various contexts that can be experienced while allowing students to self-assess their own experiences. (Objective 1,6) Distance Learning Through instructor-recorded lectures, students will be introduced to the level of contribution of nature and nurture to one’s level of happiness. Students will demonstrate understanding of concepts through participation in a discussion board. (Objectives 3, 4, 5, and 6) Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments In the article, Happiness- An overview and the ways of enhancing it, happiness is made up of one's set point, one's circumstances, and one's intentional activities. Describe how these factors have influenced your level of happiness? Writing, Problem Solving or Performance Article Review: Find and critique a current article on happiness and wellbeing. List the article’s major points and describe how they relate to the contents of this course. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) The research paper will examine happiness and wellbeing or explore a health and wellness issue. Required Materials Positive Psychology and Well-Being Author: Frederick Brown and Cynthia LaJambe Publisher: Cognella Direct Publication Date: 2017 Text Edition: 1st Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths Author: Shane J. Lopez - University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA, Gallup/Clifton Strengths School, Jennifer Teramoto Pedrotti - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, USA, and C. R. Snyder - University of Kansas, Lawrence, USA Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc Publication Date: 2018 Text Edition: 4th Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.