Course Syllabus

Jump to Today

Positive Psychology E

 DIS Logo

samuel-myles-roLQ_k2HEcs-unsplash.jpg

Semester & Location:

Spring 2026 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:

Core Course - 3 credits

Study Tours:

Western Denmark, Czech Republic
Major Disciplines:

Psychology, Education/Educational Studies, Human Development
Prerequisite(s):

A psychology course at university level.
Faculty Members:

Michelle Lindhardt

(current students please use the Canvas Inbox)
Program Contact: Psychology Department: psy.cns@dis.dk
Time & Place:

Mondays and Thursdays, 8.30-9.50

Classroom: V10-A22

Course Description

The course will be guided by the mission of Positive Psychology: "To understand and foster the factors that allow individuals, communities, and societies to flourish" (Seligman & Csikzentmihalyi, 2000). We will explore what psychology says about human flourishing and happiness and investigate how human flourishing can be facilitated.

The course is structured around the three pillars of Positive Psychology: Positive individual traits, positive emotions, and positive institutions. We will critically examine the contributions of the field's founding figures and engage in lively debates about the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of Positive Psychology.

Throughout the course, we will seek to answer questions such as:

1.    What is happiness and well-being?

2.    What constitutes a good life for individuals, communities, and nations?

3.    How does one's environment impact their psychological well-being?

4.    Why are some nations consistently ranked higher in happiness and life satisfaction surveys? (Case: Denmark)

Learning Objectives

In the field of psychology, we seek to deepen our understanding of human nature through the development and testing of theories. The objective of this course is based on a dual process: critically examining psychological theories and models in relation to real-world observations, and continuously questioning and reflecting on them to broaden our understanding of the field.

During this course, we will:

  • Learn about theoretical and empirical foundations of positive psychology within the context of other psychological disciplines and traditions.
  • Examine human flourishing in different contexts.
  • Perform critical examination of theory and research in the field of positive psychology.
  • Explore possibilities for new development in positive psychology. 
  • Relate theoretical perspectives in positive psychology to real world observations.
  • Demonstrate methods of intervention in positive psychology.


Faculty

Michelle Lindhardt 
M.Sc. Clinical Psychology (2021, Utrecht University). B.Sc. Psychology (2020, Radboud University). 
Works as a clinical psychologist in private practice. Experience with individual and group therapy, teaching, supervising, conducting research and facilitating trainings/workshops for professionals. Michelle is specialized in Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) and a licensed Metacognitive Therapist (Level 1 + 2) from the MCT Institute (UK). With DIS since 2025.

Readings

Required Textbooks:

  • Boniwell, I. & Tunariu, A.D., (2019). Positive Psychology. Theory, Research, and Applications. UK: McGraw Hill.
    (You will not receive a physical copy of this book. The book is available in an E-book format under Modules in Canvas).
  • Frankl, Victor E. (2006). Man’s Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.
    (Available at the DIS library).


Required Articles and Other Media on Canvas:



Core Course Week/Short Tour:

Well-Being in Denmark

During the Core Course Week and our Short Study Tour to Western Denmark, we will examine Well-Being in Denmark.

We will learn about central concepts of the field such as well-being and flourishing. Through a variety of workshops and activities, we will examine happiness in Danish life, the national-level influence of the Danish welfare state, and the local community and environments' promotion of quality of life. 

 

Long Study Tour: Prague and Brno 

The purpose of the long study tour is to investigate well-being through a different cultural lens. During our time in Prague and Brno, we will explore themes such as resilience, storytelling, and historical perspectives, and learn how they influence well-being in the Czech Republic.

Both study tours include a mix of academic visits, cultural activities, and opportunities for personal reflection. Active participation and engagement are essential components of these experiences.

 

A detailed overview of the study tour activities will be presented the week before departure and the travel itinerary will be posted the Friday before departure.

 

Guest Lecturers

Kamilla Lange
Msc. Psychology (2006, University of Copenhagen). BA. Psychology (2003, University of Copenhagen). Works as a clinical psychologist and mindfulness instructor. Teacher and supervisor for both psychologists, medical doctors and other professionals. Author of a book on mindfulness and body acceptance. With DIS since 2015.

Topic: Mindfulness.

Rasmus Koustrup Larsen
Rasmus is an urban consultant and educator based in Copenhagen and the founder of Nordic Path, a consultancy offering professional walking tours, lectures, and workshops on urban life, mobility, and liveable cities. He is an External Lecturer at DIS where he teaches courses such as European Urban Experience: Why Cities Matter, Transportation in Urban Europe, Bicycle Urbanism, and Strategies for Urban Livability. Rasmus holds a Master’s degree in Nordic Urban Planning Studies and works at the intersection of everyday urban life, sustainability, and human-scale city development, with a particular focus on Copenhagen as a lived urban environment.

Topic: Urban Liveability and Well-Being

Approach to teaching 

In this class, the emphasis is on connecting theory to real-life experiences in meaningful ways. The focus is on experiential learning, which includes personal reflection, critical thinking, and testing theoretical concepts. Drawing on examples from my clinical work, I try to bridge the gap between academic research and everyday life. Together, we will use our own observations and experiences to explore, understand, and critically examine theories and research presented in academic literature.


DIS Accommodations Statement 
Your learning experience in this class is important to me. If you have approved academic accommodations with DIS, please make sure I receive your DIS accommodations letter within two weeks from the start of classes. If you can think of other ways I can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk to me. If you have any further questions about your academic accommodations, contact Academic Support academicsupport@dis.dk

 

Expectations of the Students

I expect students to arrive on time, come prepared by completing the required readings, submit assignments on time and engage actively with the subject. Participation in class discussions and group work is important, as it helps create a supportive and respectful learning environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing and reflecting. Missing classes without a legitimate excuse will result in a lower grade for the course.

I expect students to check Canvas regularly, so they are aware of any possible updates to the syllabus.

Respecting confidentiality is essential; any personal information shared in class should be treated with care and discretion. Our learning benefits from hearing a variety of perspectives, which requires an open and trusting atmosphere.

In discussions, no one’s experience or opinion is considered wrong. It’s important to acknowledge and appreciate differences, recognizing that there is no single “right” perspective. Everyone should be treated with kindness and respect.

At the same time, factual statements may be questioned and discussed to deepen our understanding.


Evaluation

Students will be evaluated on their participation in class, completion of positive psychology exercises during the course, on group assignments and the final individual paper. Evaluation is based on active engagement with the subject and with classmates, as well as the ability to critically analyze theory and research and relate it to everyday human life.

Creativity and critical academic reflection are highly valued in both your written work and in class. You will engage in class discussions, respond to open reflective questions, participate in group assignments, and give short presentations.

In your papers, you are expected to use high-quality, credible, and relevant sources, citing all references in APA style. All statements and claims should be supported by academic references.

 

Grading

Assignment

Percent
Class Participation

15%

Completion of Positive Psychology Exercises

 10% 
Core Course Week Assignment (Group Paper)

25%
Long Study Tour Presentations

20%
Final Paper

30%

Class Participation (15%):

Participation in class requires arriving on time and being prepared in relation to having read the required readings and completed assignments. Your participation grade reflects the importance of being active in this course, which relies in great part on the reflections, discussions, and exercises in class. Active participation is essential. This includes in the classroom, on study tours, during field studies and in group work. Attendance is mandatory. 

Completion of Positive Psychology Exercises (10%)

Practical application of different interventions and exercises from Positive Psychology. You will be required to complete different exercises and submit a short reflection on each of them. The reflections will not be graded for content, but rather as complete or incomplete. This part is not about academic achievement. Rather, the aim is for you to test some of the actions and exercises that are key to Positive Psychology and to reflect on whether they are useful.

CCW Group Paper (25%; max 1800 words, excluding title page and references. Use the APA reference and citation style)

The purpose of this assignment is to reflect on the topics covered during the core course week and connect these with the field of positive psychology. Based on the experiences and activities from the core course week, including the field studies and the short study tour, the paper should address the question:

“What might be the reasons for Denmark being ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world?”

The paper should summarize your observations, discuss patterns or differences, and support your discussion with class literature and at least one reference that is not in the syllabus. Include at least one photo or visual illustrating an observation. Creativity is highly encouraged.

As a supplement to the group paper, each student has to submit a small personal reflection paragraph (250–400 words) about what they have personally learned. This reflection contributes to their active participation grade (15% of final grade).

 

Long Study Tour Presentations – Positive Psychology in Prague and Brno (20%; Visual product and class presentation)

5 groups will each create a visual product (e.g., a slideshow, video or a collage) and a 15 minute class presentation based on the long study tour. Each group will be given a theme from Positive Psychology through which to approach the following topics. 

  • Well-being in the Czech Republic today. What does research show regarding the well-being of the population? 
  • Comparison with Denmark and the US. What are some key differences and similarities regarding happiness, flourishing and well-being?
  • Community building and social well-being. Identify factors in Czech society that may influence social happiness and community strength. 
  • Observations regarding your experience of well-being in Prague and Brno. How do the cities provide opportunities for well-being for their inhabitants and visitors?
  • Reflections on what we learned during the visits. What are some key take-aways from the study tour? 

Final Paper

The final assignment allows you to synthesize course concepts, field observations and critical reflections while demonstrating your understanding of Positive Psychology. 

Final paper

Max 6 pages (300 words per page) excluding front page and references. Include at least 3 peer reviewed papers that are not in the syllabus. 

This paper is a synthesis of the literature and the real life examples of positive psychology that we have explored during the course.

Choose a current real-world issue that you think could be improved through positive psychology. Your paper should:

  • Introduce the field of positive psychology and its key constructs, situating it within the broader field of psychology

  • Present the issue you have chosen, including why it matters and how interventions might improve well-being

  • Identify relevant positive psychology constructs and research, discussing quality, validity, and limitations

  • Connect theory to your own observations and experiences from the course and study tours

  • Reflect critically on potential interventions, including challenges, pros and cons

  • Discuss broader implications for positive psychology, including strengths, weaknesses, and future directions

  • Creativity is highly encouraged. You may include drawings, illustrations, tables or other visual elements to highlight your insights

 

Class room policies

Policies on late assignments
Major assignments submitted late will not be accepted unless you have a valid reason that has been discussed and approved in advance. Smaller reflection assignments submitted late can be accepted up to three days after the deadline, but note that a 10% per day penalty will be applied toward the grade.

Use of laptops and phone in class
Laptops are generally not permitted in class. They are only to be used for appropriate class-related activities and should not be used in any way that will distract your peers. Your instructor will make it clear when laptop use is permitted. Phones and smart-watches should not be used in class either. Phones should be switched off or placed in silent mode when arriving for class and students are expected to put them away until the end of class, unless you have a specific reason that has been discussed with me ahead of time. If your use of technology is due to an official or unofficial accommodation you require to succeed in class, please let me know at the beginning of the semester and/or reach out to the appropriate contact at DIS (care@dis.dk).


Use of AI 
Although AI tools can be valuable, they should support human creativity and critical thinking, not replace them. Therefore, the use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) is only permitted within defined contexts, if you include proper attribution. Usage outside of the predefined contexts and without attribution will be considered a breach of our Academic Honesty Policy. Further instructions will be provided during the course.

 

Academic Regulations 

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

 

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due