Flourishing and Well-Being in Resilient Communities

Catalog description

A deeper understanding of marginalized communities requires not only a consideration of their challenges but also an awareness of their remarkable strengths. How have these strengths enabled marginalized communities to survive-and even in some cases to thrive-despite the odds that are stacked against them? What factors allow these resilient communities to heal and to develop holistic well-being? In this course, you'll explore research and engage in experiential activities to learn about positive psychology principles and how they can be applied to understand and foster resilience and well-being among communities that have faced structural and systemic barriers to flourishing. We will explore the history of marginalization, the scientific study of protective assets and resources, radical healing, and positive coping. Students will identify communities and populations local to them that do not have access to the same rights and resources as others, discover more about and learn how those communities cope and experience well-being, and integrate their learning through weekly reflective practices, discussions, and assignments. Importantly, students also will explore how to support and enhance well-being in these communities.