I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Positive Psychology: The Science of Well-Being

2. Course Prefix & Number:
PSYC 1423

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

4. Course Description:

This course will emphasize using science in the pursuit of optimal human functioning and a meaningful life, with a focus on human strengths and promoting the fulfilling lives of healthy people. This course will first present an introduction to the science of psychology and examine research findings in positive psychology, and then move on to explore applications that are personally relevant to the lives of students in areas such as school, work, close relationships and the community.

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

Reading College Level CLC or Reading College Level

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

St. Cloud Technical and Community College, PSYC 1350 Building Human Strengths, 3 credits
Minneapolis CTC, PSYCH 227 Positive Psychology: The Study of Happiness and Well-Being, 3 credits
M State,  PSYC 1500 Positive Psychology, 3 credits

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

The purpose of this course is to provide balance in the psychology  curriculum. Positive psychology examines human strengths, personal  and sociopsychological well-being, and how these things can be acquired. This course will be suitable for any student who wishes to learn about the science of psychology, and how he or she can use evidence-based practices to be a happier and healthier human being, and to create a better workplace and society. Research to date indicates the promotion of positive psychology has a positive effect on psychological and physical health, academic persistence, relationship success, and athletic and work performance.

2. MN Transfer Curriculum (General Education) Courses - This course fulfills the following goal area(s) of the MN Transfer Curriculum:

• Goal 5 – History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Goal 9 – Ethical and Civic Responsibility

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Demonstrate written communication skills	describe the results of an application project in a reflection paper
Demonstrate reading and listening skills	identify concepts from assigned reading materials in classroom discussions and written examinations
Apply abstract ideas to concrete situations	apply psychological principles to understand and modify their own behavior
Apply ethical principles in decision-making	demonstrate an understanding of how social psychological principles influence thoughts and actions

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Describe the field of positive psychology
• Explain the PERMA model of positive psychology (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment)
• Describe the methods and data that psychologists use to investigate human flourishing (MnTC Goal 5)
• Use and critique theories of positive psychology (MnTC Goal 5)
• Identify the differences between descriptive and experimental research
• Recognize the limits of correlational research
• Employ the principles of learning to change behavior
• Identify healthy coping methods
• Employ an array of tools to increase personal happiness
• Describe emotional intelligence
• Discuss how to increase hope and optimism
• Explain theories of wisdom
• Give examples of how to increase self-control
• Identify and apply alternative solutions to contemporary social issues (MnTC Goal 5)
• Explain the fundamental attribution error
• Describe the benefits of empathy, compassion and altruism
• Reflect on the ethical dimensions of social and scientific issues (MnTC Goal 9)
• Review the qualities of healthy relationships
• Recognize the diversity of motivations and interests of other people(MnTC Goal 9)
• Describe one's ideal workplace
• Apply core concepts of positive psychology to personal and social issues (MnTC Goal 9)Contribute to the community through a service learning project

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Psychology’s Roots, Ideas & Tools
• Roots of Psychology
• Big Ideas in Psychology
• How Do Psychologists Ask & Answer Questions?
• Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology
• Introduction to Positive Psychology
• Application: Using Psychology To Become a Better Student
• Application: Service Learning Project 
2. Building Strengths and Positive Outcomes
• Using the Principles of Learning to Build Your Strengths
• Psychological Tests
• Classifications and Measure of Strengths
• Discovering Your Strengths
• Application: Self-Improvement Project
3. Stress, Health & Human Flourishing
• Stressors & Stress Reactions
• Stress Effects & Health
• Taking Care of Your Body
• Forgiveness
• Human Flourishing
• Application: Positive Coping
4. Happiness
• What is Happiness?
• Why Be Happy?
• Assessing Happiness
• The How of Happiness
• Happiness Myths
• Limits of Life Circumstances
• Happiness Set Point
• Intentional Activity
• Sustainable Happiness
• Application: Creating Happiness
5. Emotional Experiences
• Embodied Emotion 
• Expressed Emotion
• Experienced Emotion
• Emotion-Focused Coping
• Emotional Intelligence 
• Application: Increasing Your EQ
6. Choosing Cognitions
• Self-Respect 
• Optimism
• Hope
• Application: What You Want to Experience
7. Developing Assets
• Theories of Wisdom
• Becoming Wise 
• Self-Control
• Assertiveness
• Application: Developing Self-Contro
8. Creating Optimal Experiences 
• Mindfulness
• Flow 
• Meditation
• Application: Finding Your Flow
9. Social Psychology 
• Social Thinking
• Social Influence
• The Need to Belong
• Peacemaking
• Application: Fundamental Attribution Error
10. Prosocial Behavior
• Empathy 
• Compassion
• Altruism
• Application: Day of Compassion
11. Positive  Relationships
• Infant Attachment
• Love
• Friendship
• Flourishing  Relationships
• Application: The Rules of Friendship
12. Positive Employment 
• Gainful Employment
• Flow
• Motivation
• Grit
• Satisfaction and Engagement
• Commitment
• Application: Making a Good Impression
13. Positive Communities
• Individualism & Collectivism
• Service Learning
• Thinking About Your Own Life

2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions