Positive Psychology

This course introduces the study of positive psychology, the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The major aims of this course are to understand what positive psychology is (how do we define positive psychology) and what the goals of this discipline are. More specifically we will cover positive psychology’s focus on balance and totality (looking at both sickness and wellness, how to both avoid the former and to promote the latter), promotion of positive outcomes (not just curbing negative outcomes) and reliance on scientific evidence (understanding psychological research methodology as well as the physiological, neurobiological and evolutionary underpinnings of topics). We will also touch on the social nature of humans, the communicability of positive stimuli, emotions and moods, and the most important pursuits in life (connecting with others, pursuing meaning, and experiencing some degree of pleasure or satisfaction).