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Schedule

Course length: 16 weeks (one week of no lessons for Spring Break or Fall Break)

Week 1:
Lesson 1:What is Positive Psychology?
Readings:

Textbook

  • Lesson 1 commentary
  • Chapter 1
  • Chapter 2
Assignments:
  • Academic Integrity Form
  • Introduction to Positive Psychology Activity
Week 2: 
Lesson 2:Cultural Context
Readings:

Textbook

  • Lesson 2 commentary


Course Reserves 

  • Chapter 2, "Eastern and Western Perspectives on Positive Psychology" 
  • Chapter 4, "The Role of Culture in Developing Strengths and Living Well" 
Assignments:
  • Cultural Context Discussion Forum
Week 3: 
Lesson 3:Pleasure and Happiness
Readings:

Textbook

  • Lesson 3 Commentary
  • Chapter 3
  • Chapter 4
Assignments:
  • Boosting Happiness Activity
Week 4: 
Lesson 4:Managing Negative Emotions
Readings:

Textbook

  • Lesson 4 commentary


Course Reserves 

  • Chapter 11, Thoughts and Feelings
Assignments:
  • Managing Negative Emotions Activity
  • Managing Negative Thoughts - Part A
Week 5: 
Lesson 5:Positive Thinking: Self-Efficacy, Hope, and Optimism
Readings:

Textbook

  • Lesson 5 Commentary
  • Chapter 5
Assignments:
  • The Wizard of Oz Reflection
Week 6: 
Lesson 6:Managing Negative Thoughts
Readings:

Textbook

  • Lesson 6 Commentary

Course Reserves 

  • Chapter 6, Managing Social Anxiety: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach
Assignments:
  • Managing Negative Thoughts - Part B
Week 7:
Lesson 7:Wellness
Readings:

Textbook

  • Lesson 7 commentary
  • Chapter 9

Course Reserves 

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Contextual Behavioral Science: Examining the Progress of a Distinctive Model of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, Behavior Therapy. Vol. 44. 2013. pp. 180-198.
  • Acceptance and mindfulness-based therapy: New wave or old hat? Clinical Psychology Review. 28(1). 2008. pp. 1-16.
  • Relaxation: Thoughts & Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods & Your Life. Honeychurch, C. ed. Oakland. New Harbinger Publications. 2011. 1608822087. Ch. 5. pp. 67-76.
Assignments:
  • Experiential Activity and Comparing Therapies
Week 8: 
Lesson 8:Midterm Exam
Readings:
  • None
Assignments:
  • Midterm Exam
Week 9:
Lesson 9:Character Strengths
Readings:

Textbook

  • Lesson 9 Commentary
  • Chapter 6
Assignments:
  • VIA Character Strength Survey
  • Character Strength Discussion Forum
Week 10: 
Lesson 10:Values
Readings:

Textbook

  • Lesson 10 Commentary
  • Chapter 7
Assignments:
  • Lesson 10 Quiz
Week 11:
Lesson 11:Interests, Abilities, and Accomplishments
Readings:

Textbook

  • Lesson 11 Commentary
  • Chapter 8
Assignments:
  • Assessment Battery for Careers Activity
Weeks 12 and 13:
Lesson 12:Relationships
Readings:

Textbook

  • Lesson 12 Commentary
  • Chapter 10

Other Readings

  • Gottman & Levenson, "A Two-Factor Model for Predicting When a Couple Will Divorce: Exploratory Analyses Using 14-Year Longitudinal Data," Family Process, pp. 83–96
  • Piliavin & Charng, "Altruism: A Review of Recent Theory and Research," Annual Review of Sociology, pp. 27–65
Assignments:
  • A Closer Look at Intimate Relationships Activity
  • Advice Column Essay 
Week 14: 
Lesson 13:The Meaning of Life
Readings:

Textbook

  • Lesson 13 Commentary

Other Readings

  • Steger et al., "The Meaning in Life Questionnaire: Assessing the Presence of and Search for Meaning in Life," Journal of Counseling Psychology, pp. 80–93
  • Steger et al., "The Meaningful Life in Japan and the United States: Levels and Correlates of Meaning in Life," Journal of Research in Personality, pp. 660–678
Assignments:
  • Meaning of Life Reflection
Week 15:
Lesson 14:The Future of Positive Psychology
Readings:

Textbook

  • Lesson 14 Commentary
Assignments:
  • Wrapping Up Discussion Forum
Lesson 15Final Exam
Readings:
  • None
Assignments:
  • Final Exam
  • SEEQ (non-graded)

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