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Nature of course request C00866 :

New course

Undergraduate

First term offered : Fall 2011
Course Prefix&Number	Descriptive Title	Credits/Hours
Psy 439	Positive Psychology	0 - 4

Abbreviation for Class Schedule(20 spaces) Positive Psychology

Catalog Description: This course will examine psychological factors and principles that help explain positive outcomes, well-being and personal growth in humans. Areas of focus will include positive emotional experiences and appraisals such as happiness, life satisfaction, well-being, positive personal characteristics, interests and values, and positive institutions as they promote growth and fulfilling experiences. There will be a significant applied component of the class in which students will explore their own reactions and personal qualities. Prerequisites: Psy 201 and Psy 202 or equivalent.

Course Goal and Objectives: • Understand the range and nature of positive emotional and personal experiences • Consider biological and evolutionary forces and their roles in establishing positive experiences • Examine the cognitive, perceptual and social cognitive processes that influence positive experiences • Consider the impact of life circumstances on positive experience and well-being • Understand behavioral and life outcomes associated with positive experience • Become familiar with the empirical studies examining a variety of intentional activities and life patterns that are related to positive experience and well-being • Examine personal qualities and strengths of character that have been associated with positive outcomes and flourishing • Study the qualities of organizations and institutions that produce the best possible outcomes for achievement as well as well-being

Justification for adding the course (e.g. alignment with other institutions, program revision, etc.): In the last 15 years, academic psychologists have increasingly recognized the importance of scientifically examining the personal and interpersonal underpinnings of positive emotional experiences, positive personal qualities and abilities and positive organizational characteristics. This burgeoning interest is reflected in the initiation of several professional journals (e.g., the Journal of Positive Psychology, the Journal of Happiness Studies) devoted to positive psychology as well as graduate programs in psychology departments (e.g., U. of Pennsylvania, Claremont Graduate School). Inclusion of this class in the WOU Psychology offerings reflects the evolution of the psychology course offerings to reflect important developments in the discipline.

Faculty and facilities needed: No additional resources, present faculty will teach course

Brief Course outline: I. Definition of positive psychology and its place as part of the discipline II. Positive experiences, happiness, flourishing, well-being and the range of positive experiences III. Biological and evolutionary origins A. Genetic set point B. Broaden and build theory of evolutionary influences IV. Life circumstances A. The role of money in happiness and well-being B. Relationships and social influences C. Other influences V. Perceptual, cognitive and social cognitive influences on experience A. Adaptation B. Happiness forecasting and other phenomena VI. Intentional activities and life patterns A. Gratitude B. Optimism and cognitive patterns C. Forgiveness D. Exercise E. Other intentional activities VII. Strengths of character and their correlates A. Interests, activities and abilities VIII Positive organizations and institutions A. Work settings B. Families C. Relationships IX Applications of positive psychology A. Clinical and counseling settings B. Population-based interventions

Approval Queue C00866

Attached Files:

400 Bad Request

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