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
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Assignments: |
- Academic Integrity Form
- Introduction to Positive Psychology Activity
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Week 2:
Lesson 2: | Cultural Context |
Readings: |
Textbook
Course Reserves
- Chapter 2, "Eastern and Western Perspectives on Positive Psychology"
- Chapter 4, "The Role of Culture in Developing Strengths and Living Well"
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Assignments: |
- Cultural Context Discussion Forum
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Week 3:
Lesson 3: | Pleasure and Happiness |
Readings: |
Textbook
- Lesson 3 Commentary
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
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Assignments: |
- Boosting Happiness Activity
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Week 4:
Lesson 4: | Managing Negative Emotions |
Readings: |
Textbook
Course Reserves
- Chapter 11, Thoughts and Feelings
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Assignments: |
- Managing Negative Emotions Activity
- Managing Negative Thoughts - Part A
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Week 5:
Lesson 5: | Positive Thinking: Self-Efficacy, Hope, and Optimism |
Readings: |
Textbook
- Lesson 5 Commentary
- Chapter 5
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Assignments: |
- The Wizard of Oz Reflection
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Week 6:
Lesson 6: | Managing Negative Thoughts |
Readings: |
Textbook
Course Reserves
- Chapter 6, Managing Social Anxiety: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach
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Assignments: |
- Managing Negative Thoughts - Part B
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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.
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Assignments: |
- Experiential Activity and Comparing Therapies
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Week 8:
Lesson 8: | Midterm Exam |
Readings: |
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Assignments: |
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Week 9:
Lesson 9: | Character Strengths |
Readings: |
Textbook
- Lesson 9 Commentary
- Chapter 6
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Assignments: |
- VIA Character Strength Survey
- Character Strength Discussion Forum
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Week 10:
Lesson 10: | Values |
Readings: |
Textbook
- Lesson 10 Commentary
- Chapter 7
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Assignments: |
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Week 11:
Lesson 11: | Interests, Abilities, and Accomplishments |
Readings: |
Textbook
- Lesson 11 Commentary
- Chapter 8
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Assignments: |
- Assessment Battery for Careers Activity
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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
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Assignments: |
- A Closer Look at Intimate Relationships Activity
- Advice Column Essay
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Week 14:
Lesson 13: | The Meaning of Life |
Readings: |
Textbook
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
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Assignments: |
- Meaning of Life Reflection
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Week 15:
Lesson 14: | The Future of Positive Psychology |
Readings: |
Textbook
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Assignments: |
- Wrapping Up Discussion Forum
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Lesson 15 | Final Exam |
Readings: |
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Assignments: |
- Final Exam
- SEEQ (non-graded)
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