Positive Psychology

Catalog description

"Positive Psychology" explores the scientific study of human strengths and virtues. "Positive Psychology" provides a distinct contrast to the negative focus of the disease-model approach that traditionally dominated much of the discipline. While there is no shortage of lay theories and self-help literature that offer advice on how to achieve "the good life", this course will examine the nature of happiness based in empirical research. It will investigate how humans live lives of dignity and purpose with an emphasis on strengthening positive character traits such as compassion, creativity, empathy and resilience while increasing the presence of mindfulness and peak performance. It is designed to explore the concepts and research behind techniques and exercises that enhance well-being. This course does not satisfy the General Education requirement.