Art and Science of Human Flourishing

Catalog description

This course offers students the opportunity to explore human flourishing - defined as a life of deep meaning, fulfillment and service to others. Students will be taught about flourishing through the lens of science, philosophy, and their own experience. Through exposure to diverse scientific theories and research on the skills associated with flourishing, to philosophical and religious writings on human happiness and wellbeing, and to various reflective exercises and contemplative practices (e.g., mindfulness and compassion meditation), students will develop conceptual knowledge, experiential insight, and practical skills related to flourishing. The course begins by introducing a conceptual framework that defines flourishing in terms of foundations, domains and dimensions. First, students will learn about the foundations of flourishing in terms of the unique human capacities for reflection, resilience and transformation. Second, students will learn about four major domains and related dimensions that characterize flourishing, including the domains of awareness (e.g., focus, emotion, mindfulness), connection to others (e.g., interdependence, compassion, diversity), wisdom (identity, aesthetics, values) and integration of one's values and intentions in everyday living (e.g., courage, performance).Together, in a supportive and highly experiential learning environment, students will be encouraged to envision, articulate and pursue their own unique path to flourishing during their time in college and beyond based on their intellectual and experiential learning in the course. By the end of this course, students are able to: (I) Demonstrate foundational knowledge, including the ability to analyze and describe the relevant concepts and theories in multiple intellectual fields on the nature and cultivation of human flourishing, and the ability to recognize the possibilities, value, and relevance of cultivating personal flourishing in their own lives in relation to flourishing in social relationships, communities, and institutions; (II) Experience deep engagement in terms of being familiar with the basic personal experiences relating to individual qualities of human flourishing in order to make personal sense of them, and master individual practices for assessing and developing them; and (III) Understand real-world applications in terms of acquiring skills, sensibilities, and perspectives relating to individual qualities of human flourishing, which they are able to apply in the diverse contexts of their lives