Course Syllabus

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Description of Course

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) leading us to explore what psychology says about human flourishing and happiness and to 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

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Theory and Research
  • Analyze different perspectives and values in Positive Psychology, gaining a basic understanding of the field and then expanding to understand its various aspects and complexities.
  • Combine and integrate theoretical perspectives with practical approaches to develop a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Positive Psychology.
  • Examine the concept of well-being and the role of place and community in it, starting with an understanding of these concepts individually and then exploring their interconnections and broader implications.
  • Explore the relationship between architecture and human flourishing, applying your understanding of these two areas to analyze their interaction.
  • Discuss Positive Psychology research from an intercultural perspective, developing a deep and nuanced understanding that takes into account cultural variations and complexities.
• Application
  • Use basic coaching listening and questioning skills, as well as competencies within goal setting and action planning, starting with a basic understanding and then expanding to understand the various aspects and complexities of these skills.
  • Perform Positive Psychology coaching and evaluate how coaching and Positive Psychology interventions can foster human flourishing, developing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of these processes.
  • Apply core concepts in Positive Psychology to everyday situations, starting with an understanding of these concepts individually and then exploring their applications and implications in various contexts.
  • Create student-centered applications of Positive Psychology, developing a deep and nuanced understanding that allows you to apply Positive Psychology principles in innovative and personalized ways.

 

Course Materials & Engagement

In alignment with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, this course provides multiple methods of engagement, representation, and expression. We will utilize a range of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, hands-on activities, and multimedia resources.

An assortment of course materials will be available for each lesson, including scholarly articles, book chapters, YouTube videos, and podcasts. This diverse collection of resources is designed to accommodate various learning preferences and provide a comprehensive perspective on each topic.

Students are required to engage with around 2-4 items from the list of materials for each lesson. This flexible strategy allows you to select the resources that best match your learning style and interests, ensuring a broad understanding of the topic. Whether you prefer reading in-depth articles, listening to podcasts, or watching videos, you have the freedom to tailor your learning experience.

While you have the flexibility in choosing your materials, it's essential to engage deeply with your chosen resources to fully grasp the concepts and be prepared for class discussions and assignments. The aim is not merely to consume the materials, but to actively interact with them, reflect on the content, and apply the knowledge gained.

Students will also have opportunities to express their understanding in various ways, including written assignments, presentations, and practical applications. This approach ensures that all students, regardless of their preferred learning style, can succeed in this course.

 

Expectations of the Students

In this course, each one of us has the equal and unique responsibility to facilitate the most optimal learning outcomes. Students are expected to:

• complete all reading assignments prior to coming to class
• contribute to class discussions and group activities
• draw upon your interactions and observations from daily life in Denmark to the theory, research, and practices of Positive Psychology
• be active in group work
• write down reflections throughout the course
• be punctual and attend all scheduled classes and activities
  
  • Note: missing classes without a legitimate excuse will result in a lower final grade

 

Assessment

Assessment will be based on a combination of assignments, participation, presentations, and a final project. Feedback will be provided throughout the course to support students' learning and progress. A reflective component in the form of a gratitude journal will be present for the entire semester and connect to official topics (e.g., specific topics on the syllabus) and unofficial topics (e.g., those that come up through discussion, exploration of Copenhagen, etc). 

When evaluating, an emphasis is put on active and constructive engagement with the subject and with the rest of the class. Creativity and (respectful) critical academic reflection is highly valued in your written work as well as in class. In written work, you are expected to use high quality, credible, and relevant sources and to cite all your sources in your text using APA style with a link (e.g., DOI, url). If you have no link for whatever reason, the full-text should be submitted. Please make sure that all statements and claims are supported by academic references.

 

Course Schedule

The course will start with an introduction to Positive Psychology and moving through topics such as well-being, positive emotions, character strengths, relationships, meaning, purpose, accomplishment, goals, mindfulness, flow, interventions, resilience, coping, and applications. The course will conclude with a look at current trends and future directions in the field. Please look at the Canvas calendar carefully since times and days will not always be perfectly aligned. We'll review this in class on the first day, too, to ensure we are all on the same page.

 

Faculty

Bethany Chamberlain

Faculty Bio: My academic background is in psychology and research methodology (MSc from University of Strathclyde, BA from Bemidji State University). I have varied work experience including researcher, research assistant, teacher, tutor, etc. More recently I worked on a PhD project relating to the decision-making processes of machine learning researchers but withdrew and am now considering other research proposals relating to mental health, interdisciplinarity, technology in education, and more. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to live, work, and study in the USA, China, Sweden, and Scotland, but I am currently (and happily!) settled in Denmark with my husband and four cats. When I'm not busy with research, teaching, or traveling, you'll find me cooking, baking, reading (and leading a monthly book club), writing, or playing board/card/video games. I've been with DIS since 2021, primarily in the S&H department teaching Public Mental Health, but also helping in the Psychology department.

 

Learning Material

Required Book (available at the DIS Library):

• Frankl, Victor E. (2006). Man’s Search for Meaning. Beacon Press

 Learning material by lesson:

Students are required to engage with around 2-4 items from the list of materials for each lesson.

• Introduction
  • Campos, J. J. (n.d.). When the Negative Becomes Positive and the Reverse: Comments on Lazarus’s Critique of Positive Psychology.
  • Helliwell, E. J., Layard, R., & Sachs, J. (2013). World Happiness REPORT 2013.
  • Henrich, J., Heine, S. J., & Norenzayan, A. (2010). The weirdest people in the world? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 33, 61–83.
  • Lazarus, R. S. (2003). Does the Positive Psychology Movement Have Legs? Psychological Inquiry, 14, 93–109.
  • Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). What is Well-Being? In Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being (1st Free Press hardcover ed). New York: Free Press.
  • TED (Director). (2008). The new era of positive psychology | Martin Seligman. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FBxfd7DL3E
  • Test Prep Gurus (Newport Beach) (Director). (2012). What is Positive Psychology? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qJvS8v0TTI
  • The Secret. (2023, January 12). In If Books Could Kill. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/if-books-could-kill/episode/the-secret-210721554
• Foundations of Wellbeing
  • Christensen, K., Herskind, A. M., & Vaupel, J. W. (2006). Why Danes are smug: Comparative study of life satisfaction in the European Union. BMJ, 333, 1289–1291.
  • Delle Fave, A., Brdar, I., Freire, T., Vella-Brodrick, D., & Wissing, M. P. (2011). The Eudaimonic and Hedonic Components of Happiness: Qualitative and Quantitative Findings. Social Indicators Research, 100, 185–207.
  • How meditation can help you live a flourishing life, with Richard Davidson, PhD. (2021, March 31). In Speaking of Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/speaking-of-psychology/episode/how-meditation-can-help-you-live-a-flourishing-life-with-richard-davidson-phd-82097166
  • Lyubomirsky, S., Dickerhoof, R., Boehm, J. K., & Sheldon, K. M. (2011). Becoming happier takes both a will and a proper way: An experimental longitudinal intervention to boost well-being. Emotion, 11, 391–402.
  • Lyubomirsky, S., & Layous, K. (2013). How Do Simple Positive Activities Increase Well-Being? Current Directions in Psychological Science, 22, 57–62.
  • Seligman, M. (2018). PERMA and the building blocks of well-being. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 13, 333–335.
  • TED (Director). (2012). The surprising science of happiness | Dan Gilbert. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q1dgn_C0AU
  • Yale (Director). (2018). Start a New Journey—The Science of Well-Being by Yale University #1 [PLAYLIST]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6YGZfcAegw
• Positive Emotions
  • Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84, 377–389.
  • Fredrickson, B. L., Cohn, M. A., Coffey, K. A., Pek, J., & Finkel, S. M. (2008). Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95, 1045–1062.
  • Kok, B. E., Coffey, K. A., Cohn, M. A., Catalino, L. I., Vacharkulksemsuk, T., Algoe, S. B., … Fredrickson, B. L. (2013). How Positive Emotions Build Physical Health: Perceived Positive Social Connections Account for the Upward Spiral Between Positive Emotions and Vagal Tone. Psychological Science, 24, 1123–1132.
  • Positive Psychology in a Pandemic, with Martin Seligman, PhD. (2021, January 20). In Speaking of Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/speaking-of-psychology/episode/positive-psychology-in-a-pandemic-with-martin-seligman-phd-80967756
  • TEDx Talks (Director). (2014). The science of emotions: Jaak Panksepp at TEDxRainier. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65e2qScV_K8
  • TEDx Talks (Director). (2016). The Ten Keys to Happier Living | Vanessa King | TEDxStPeterPort. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cks__51kdw
  • Whitney Goodman || Toxic Positivity. (2022, June 9). In The Psychology Podcast. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-psychology-podcast-with-dr-scott-barry-kaufman/episode/whitney-goodman-toxic-positivity-203914438
• Character Strengths and Virtues
  • Grant, A. M., & Schwartz, B. (2011). Too Much of a Good Thing: The Challenge and Opportunity of the Inverted U. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 6, 61–76.
  • Linley, P. A., & Harrington, S. (2006). Strengths Coaching: A potential-guided approach to coaching psychology. International Coaching Psychology Review, 1, 37–46.
  • Niemiec, R. M. (2011). Positive psychology cinemeducation: A review of Happy. International Journal of Wellbeing, 1, 328–334.
  • Skye Cleary || Simone de Beauvoir and the Quest for Authentic Living. (2022, August 25). In The Psychology Podcast. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-psychology-podcast-with-dr-scott-barry-kaufman/episode/skye-cleary-simone-de-beauvoir-and-the-quest-for-authentic-living-206106283
  • TEDx Talks (Director). (2017). A Universal Language that Describes What’s Best in Us | Ryan Niemiec | TEDxXavierUniversity. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMWck0mKGWc
  • Tiffany Shlain & Let It Ripple Studio (Director). (2014). The Science of Character. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3nT2KDAGOc
  • What is Creativity? || The Human Potential Lab. (2023, April 27). In The Psychology Podcast. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-psychology-podcast-with-dr-scott-barry-kaufman/episode/what-is-creativity-the-human-potential-lab-302567101
• Positive Relationships
  • Aknin, L. B., Dunn, E. W., & Norton, M. I. (2012). Happiness Runs in a Circular Motion: Evidence for a Positive Feedback Loop between Prosocial Spending and Happiness. Journal of Happiness Studies, 13, 347–355.
  • Becky Kennedy || Good Parenting. (2022, November 17). In The Psychology Podcast. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-psychology-podcast-with-dr-scott-barry-kaufman/episode/becky-kennedy-good-parenting-208624865
  • Helping transgender people thrive (SOP30). (2015, October 12). In Speaking of Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/speaking-of-psychology/episode/helping-transgender-people-thrive-sop30-40724021
  • How close relationships keep us healthy and happy, with Richard Slatcher, PhD. (2021, November 3). In Speaking of Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/speaking-of-psychology/episode/how-close-relationships-keep-us-healthy-and-happy-with-richard-slatcher-phd-88011717
  • TED (Director). (2017). The secret to living longer may be your social life | Susan Pinker. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptIecdCZ3dg
  • TEDx Talks (Director). (2019). The power of forgiveness  | Carine Kanimba | TEDxPortland. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZaDrPdcXSw
• Meaning, Purpose, Accomplishment, Goals
  • Awakening from the Meaning Crisis || John Vaervaeke. (2023, May 11). In The Psychology Podcast. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-psychology-podcast-with-dr-scott-barry-kaufman/episode/awakening-from-the-meaning-crisis-john-vaervaeke-303101769
  • Daniel Schmachtenberger || Towards a Radical Cultural Enlightenment. (2022, February 24). In The Psychology Podcast. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-psychology-podcast-with-dr-scott-barry-kaufman/episode/daniel-schmachtenberger-towards-a-radical-cultural-enlightenment-200338549
  • Fredrickson, B. L., & Losada, M. F. (2005). Positive Affect and the Complex Dynamics of Human Flourishing. American Psychologist, 60, 678–686.
  • How to Overcome Setbacks in Business. (2023, February 7). In AntiFragile Entrepreneurship™. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-effortless-life-podcast/episode/how-to-overcome-setbacks-in-business-211630559
  • Judge, T. A., Bono, J. E., Erez, A., & Locke, E. A. (2005). Core Self-Evaluations and Job and Life Satisfaction: The Role of Self-Concordance and Goal Attainment. Journal of Applied Psychology, 90, 257–268.
  • Sheldon, K. M. (2014). Becoming Oneself: The Central Role of Self-Concordant Goal Selection. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 18, 349–365.
  • TED (Director). (2013). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance | Angela Lee Duckworth. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H14bBuluwB8
  • TED (Director). (2017). There’s more to life than being happy | Emily Esfahani Smith. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9Trdafp83U
  • TEDx Talks (Director). (2013a). How to know your life purpose in 5 minutes | Adam Leipzig | TEDxMalibu. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVsXO9brK7M
  • TEDx Talks (Director). (2013b). The psychology of self-motivation | Scott Geller | TEDxVirginiaTech. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sxpKhIbr0E
• Mindfulness and Flow
  • Fredrickson, B. L. (2013). Updated thinking on positivity ratios. American Psychologist, 68, 814–822.
  • How meditation can help you live a flourishing life, with Richard Davidson, PhD. (2021, March 31). In Speaking of Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/speaking-of-psychology/episode/how-meditation-can-help-you-live-a-flourishing-life-with-richard-davidson-phd-82097166
  • TED (Director). (2008). Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: Flow, the secret to happiness. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXIeFJCqsPs
  • TED (Director). (2013). All it takes is 10 mindful minutes | Andy Puddicombe. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzR62JJCMBQ
• Positive Psychology Interventions
  • Bushe, G. R. (2013). Appreciative inquiry: Theory and critique. Routledge Companion to Organizational Change. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/40426491/Appreciative_inquiry_Theory_and_critique
  • Hanson, K. (2019). Positive Psychology for Overcoming Symptoms of Depression: A Pilot Study Exploring the Efficacy of a Positive Psychology Self-Help Book versus a CBT Self-Help Book. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 47, 95–113.
  • How to cope with climate anxiety, with Thomas Doherty, PsyD, and Ashlee Cunsolo, PhD. (2021, April 21). In Speaking of Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/speaking-of-psychology/episode/how-to-cope-with-climate-anxiety-with-thomas-doherty-psyd-and-ashlee-cunsolo-phd-83344954
  • James, T., & Walters, V. (2020). How positive is positive psychology in an enabling program? Investigating the transformative power of positive psychology for enabling students. Australian Journal of Adult Learning, 60, 170–189.
  • Positive Psychology in a Pandemic, with Martin Seligman, PhD. (2021, January 20). In Speaking of Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/speaking-of-psychology/episode/positive-psychology-in-a-pandemic-with-martin-seligman-phd-80967756
  • Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive Psychology Progress: Empirical Validation of Interventions. American Psychologist, 60, 410–421.
  • TED (Director). (2012). The happy secret to better work | Shawn Achor. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLJsdqxnZb0
  • TEDx Talks (Director). (2019). The three secrets of resilient people | Lucy Hone | TEDxChristchurch. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWH8N-BvhAw
• Resilience and Coping
  • Ambiguous loss and the “myth of closure,” with Pauline Boss, PhD. (2022, March 29). In Speaking of Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/speaking-of-psychology/episode/ambiguous-loss-and-the-myth-of-closure-with-pauline-boss-phd-201107141
  • Baumeister, R. F., Bratslavsky, E., Finkenauer, C., & Vohs, K. D. (2001). Bad is Stronger than Good. Review of General Psychology, 5, 323–370.
  • How grieving changes the brain, with Mary-Frances O’Connor, PhD. (2022, March 30). In Speaking of Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/speaking-of-psychology/episode/how-grieving-changes-the-brain-with-mary-frances-oconnor-phd-201880145
  • How to cope with climate anxiety, with Thomas Doherty, PsyD, and Ashlee Cunsolo, PhD. (2021, April 21). In Speaking of Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/speaking-of-psychology/episode/how-to-cope-with-climate-anxiety-with-thomas-doherty-psyd-and-ashlee-cunsolo-phd-83344954
  • How to Overcome Setbacks in Business. (2023, February 7). In AntiFragile Entrepreneurship™. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-effortless-life-podcast/episode/how-to-overcome-setbacks-in-business-211630559
  • Lazarus, R. S. (2003). Does the Positive Psychology Movement Have Legs? Psychological Inquiry, 14, 93–109.
  • TED (Director). (2013). How to make stress your friend | Kelly McGonigal. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcGyVTAoXEU
  • TEDx Talks (Director). (2013). The Power of Resilience: Sam Goldstein, Ph.D. at TEDxRockCreekPark. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isfw8JJ-eWM
• Positive Psychology in Practice
  • Aaron Beck || Humanizing Psychiatry. (2021, November 29). In The Psychology Podcast. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-psychology-podcast-with-dr-scott-barry-kaufman/episode/aaron-beck-humanizing-psychiatry-200235379
  • Big Think (Director). (2022). Don’t chase happiness. Become antifragile | Tal Ben-Shahar | Big Think. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-or_D-qNqM
  • Cavanagh, M. (n.d.). International Coaching Psychology Review.
  • Christine Robinson || Community Psychology. (2022, June 23). In The Psychology Podcast. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-psychology-podcast-with-dr-scott-barry-kaufman/episode/christine-robinson-community-psychology-204312032
  • James, T., & Walters, V. (2020). How positive is positive psychology in an enabling program? Investigating the transformative power of positive psychology for enabling students. Australian Journal of Adult Learning, 60, 170–189.
  • Myers, D. (2004, June 18). The Secret to Happiness. YES! Magazine. Retrieved from http://www .yesmagazine.org/30goodlife/myers.htm
  • TED (Director). (2022). 5 Parenting Tips for Raising Resilient, Self-Reliant Kids | Tameka Montgomery | TED. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-VIRvqsA9w
  • TEDx Talks (Director). (2018). The Impact of Positive Psychology | Anthony Petroy | TEDxMissouriS&T. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmtwEWr7zX8
  • The Flourishing Center (Director). (2020). Positive Psychology Parenting. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tF72tWAmsb0
• Summary & Future Directions
  • 803: Martin Seligman | Flourishing in an Uncertain Future. (2023, March 2). In The Jordan Harbinger Show. Retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-jordan-harbinger-show/episode/803-martin-seligman-flourishing-in-an-uncertain-future-300099975
  • Action for Happiness (Director). (2014). Positive Psychology for a Happier World—With Dr Ilona Boniwell. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPBplTqq-80
  • Dr. Laurie Santos (Director). (2023). The Man Who Invented Happiness Science: Marty Seligman | The Happiness Lab | Dr. Laurie Santos. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYhr9NSR0XU
  • Happier TV (Director). (2017). Happier Talk with Dr. Dan Tomasulo. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkk_Db_3Jww
  • Held, B. S. (2004). The Negative Side of Positive Psychology. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 44, 9–46.
  • Helliwell, E. J., Layard, R., & Sachs, J. (2013). World Happiness REPORT 2013.
  • Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive Psychology Progress: Empirical Validation of Interventions. American Psychologist, 60, 410–421.

 

Field Studies (Tentative)

Theme: Chasing Tracks of Happiness: What might be the reasons for Denmark being ranked as the happiest country in the world?

The overall theme for this field study is to explore the reasons for Denmark being ranked as the happiest country in the world.  Does the ranking make sense? What might the reasons be? What do you observe?

This is an ethnographic inspired field trip. Get out there, mingle with the Danes, Take pictures, make interviews, and observe what it might be the reasons for Denmark being ranked as the happiest country in the world.

Theme: Hygge - Socializing the Danish Way. Exploring the concept of hygge

During this interactive social/cultural/academic activity we will learn about and experience the what and how of hygge.

Guest Lecturer: TBD

 

Approach to Teaching

The teaching in this course is based on experiential learning, so I expect you to participate actively in class exercises, reflection, and discussion.  In so doing, you are requested to follow the following rules of exercises, written assignments, and discussions:

• Any personal information revealed in this class is confidential. You may share ideas and experiences with people outside the class, but no information referring to personal identities should be revealed.  Any violation of this confidentiality will be dealt with severely.
• Nobody is wrong! In discussion, you should not challenge someone else's opinions or experience. It is appropriate to acknowledge differences, but with the understanding that there is no correct experience or opinion.  Everyone should be treated with civility and respect.
• Everyone has the right to challenge someone's factual statements on the accuracy of the facts.

 

Grading

Methods of Evaluation	How Evaluated	Percentage of Grade
Active participation	Individually graded	20%
Chasing Tracks of Happiness. Discussion paper based on theory and your observations	Individually graded	25%
Team Project: Research presentation Main theme:  Factors that allow human flourishing	Graded as a team performance	25%
Fostering Individual Flourishing: A Real Case Intervention Plan based on a Positive Psychology Peer Coaching Session	Individually graded	30%
Total		100%

 

Participation

Your attendance and active participation are essential in all aspects of this course including class sessions, study tour sessions, and course-related field studies, as well as activities in class discussions, team work and general contribution to the progress of the class. Class meetings will involve lectures but also experiments, tests and exercises, movies, guest speakers, student presentations, and debates; questions and discussion are expected, in fact, required.  Furthermore, attendance is mandatory.

 

Chasing Tracks of Happiness. Discussion paper  (Maximum 4 pages)

Due: at 12:00 noon. Please hand in one hard copy 

Based on theory and your own observations made during core class week including the short study tour you respond to the question “What might be the reasons for Denmark being ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world?”

Your response should include a discussion of both points listed below:

(1)   Discuss your observations from a positive psychology theoretical perspective with reference to literature from class as well as literature from outside of class. Be sure to cite all your references in your text and to include minimum one photo illustrating one or more of your observations.

(2)    Discuss your own reactions to the observations you have made taking your own personal values into consideration.

 

Fostering Individual Flourishing

A Real Case Intervention Plan based on a Positive Psychology Peer Coaching Session (4 pages) 

“Where coaching interventions are primarily used to enhance goal attainment, Positive Psychology interventions are primarily used as means of enhancing well-being. However, despite the clear synergies between coaching and Positive Psychology there has been little work done on developing models that integrate these two separate but highly complementary change methodologies” (Grant, A. M. and Spence, G. B., 2010).

In this assignment you will practice Positive Psychology coaching, explore what coaching can do for Positive Psychology, and develop an evidence based intervention plan tailored to this real case and based on Positive Psychology theory and research.

“Fostering Individual Flourishing”’ is a combined group and individual assignment. In groups of three you will carry out, and reflect on a Positive Psychology coaching session with a peer client and an observer.  After the session you will receive feedback on your coaching from the observer and the client. You will use your experience from this session as point of departure to write an individual assignment, in which you reflect on your coaching experience, elaborate on the synergies between coaching and Positive Psychology, and develop an theory- and research based intervention plan.

Content

The “Fostering Individual Flourishing” assignment consists of two parts:

Part 1: Practice Positive Psychology coaching applying basic coaching skills and Positive Psychology.

The session takes place in groups of three students: one coach, one client and one observer. Each student will be coach, client and observer. Each session takes approximately 30 minutes. After the session the coach receives feedback from the observer and the client.

Part 2: An individually written assignment, which must include:

A short presentation of the client’s issue/ goal

• A short summary of the coaching session, including mentioning the main skills and interventions applied

• Your reflections on the coaching experience

• An elaboration on the synergies between coaching and Positive Psychology

• An evidence based positive psychology intervention plan

• Arguments and reflections for your intervention plan. What are the theoretical oriented arguments behind your intervention plan? You should use theory to be the foundation behind your intervention plan. Also you are supposed to find and include research results supporting your intervention plan.

• Critical reflections about your intervention plan: What might the pitfalls be?

 

Team Project: Research presentation 

In a team with fellow classmates (teams of 3-4 students) you investigate and present on factors that allow human flourishing in different settings.

Format:

Teams of 3-4 students

Create a documentary video (Approximately 7 minutes)

Submit a written paper explaining the theoretical framework and the research evidence upon which you build your documentary. (Three pages. 1 1/2 spaced and excluding cover & reference page)

The assignment:

The assignment is to create a response to this question:

How can people make use of positive psychology theory and established research findings to build wellbeing?

Your job is to:

1. Identify a positive psychology topic that you would like to focus on (e.g. meaning, hope, mindfulness, positive emotions, gratitude, relationships, individual strengths, flow, physical activity).

2. Find a relevant research article to use as your source of evidence.

3. Create a short and serious educational documentary (in the form of a video) that can inspire and teach lay people why and how they can benefit from positive psychology not only in their normal everyday lives, but also when the going gets tough (or threatens to do so).

The video documentary must include:

· Introduction to the topic

· Presentation of the research and the findings

· Specific instructions on how people can put theory and established research findings into action

· Each documentary will be approximately 7 minutes

The written paper must include:

· An explanation of the topic and the theory which you presented on in the documentary

· Summary of research and findings

· Discussion about the findings and their implications

 

Objectives:

· Find, analyze, and apply a relevant research article to module topics and discussions

· Demonstrate your ability to make use of theory and research findings in real life situations

· Create a concrete and engaging review of material

· Develop and refine teamwork skills

 

Disability and Resource Statement  

Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Academic Support (acadsupp@dis.dk) to coordinate this.  In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes.

 

Academic Regulations  

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

• Course Enrollment and Grading
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code