Course Syllabus

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Positive Psychology

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 Applying Positive Psychology in the Workplace

Semester & Location:

Summer 2023 - Session 1 - DIS Copenhagen

Credits:

3 credits

Major Disciplines:

Education/Educational Studies, Human Development, Psychology

Prerequisite:

A psychology course at university level.

Faculty Members:

Camilla Søeberg Hale

Current Students: please contact your faculty using the canvas inbox function

Time & Place:

See Course Schedule

Classroom: N7 C25

Description of Course

This course combines a study of theory, research, and application in the rapidly growing field of positive psychology. You critically examine the psychology of well-being with both its possibilities and limitations, focusing on topics such as positive emotions, character strengths, flow, flourishing, mindfulness, creativity, and post-traumatic growth within the context of culture and history. You investigate how positive psychology complements other areas of psychology, therapy, coaching, and communication; and how it can be applied in real-world, professional settings such as business development and the clinical context. Through experiential learning and reflection, you gain the necessary tools for developing sustainable happiness and increased life satisfaction. 

Learning Objectives

In the field of psychology, we seek to enhance our understanding of human nature through theory building and testing. The overall objective of this course relates to this dual process of creating theories and models and relating them to real world observations on one hand, and on the other hand constantly challenging, questioning and expanding them to avoid them from narrowing our understanding. 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

Camilla Søeberg Hale

Msc. Psychology (2013, University of Copenhagen). BA. Psychology (2010, University of Copenhagen). Works as a clinical psychologist in private practice.  Experience with individual and family therapy, couples therapy, counselling, and the educational setting (2013-). With DIS since 2022.

Readings

Required Textbooks:

  • Boniwell, I. & Tunariu, A.D., (2019). Positive Psychology. Theory, Re.search, and Applications Second Edition. UK: McGraw Hill.

  • Lyubormirsky, S. (2007). The How of Happiness. A Practical Guide to Getting the Life you Want. Paperback edition, Piatkus, UK

Required Articles and Other Media on Canvas:

Guest Lecturers

    • Søren Filskov Jacobsen, communication / meditation /stud. cand. psych. at University of Copenhagen
    • René Rosfort, associate prof. at The Søren Kierkegaard Research Centre at University of Copenhagen

Approach to Teaching

In this class, the emphasis is on relating theory with real life in as many ways as possible. The focus is on experiential learning including personal reflections, critical thinking and theory testing. I use examples and experiences from my clinical work to create the link between academia and the lived life, and in class we will draw upon our own observations and experience to understand and question the theories and research in academical literature. 

Expectations of the Students

I expect students to come prepared having read the required readings, and to engage with the subject actively. I expect students to participate in class discussion and group work, and in creating a positive environment for learning and reflection. I expect student to respect any personal information shared in class and treat it with confidentiality. We learn from hearing each other's thoughts and ideas and this requires an open and trusting environment.

Evaluation & Grading

Students will be evaluated on their participation in class, on individual papers, and on group projects. Emphasis in evaluation is on active engagement with the subject and with the rest of the class as well as the ability to critically analyze theory and research and relate it to everyday human life.  

Assignment

Percent

Class Participation

20%

Discussion paper: Chasing Tracks of Happiness

30%

Completion of positive psychology exercises

20%

Group project: Research Presentation

 30%

 

 

Class Participation (20%):

Participation in class requires arriving on time and being prepared in relation to readings and other 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 in both the classroom, on study tours, and in group work. Furthermore, attendance is mandatory.

Chasing Tracks of Happiness. Discussion paper  (Maximum 4 pages) (30%)

Based on theory and your own observations made during the field study 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.

Positive psychology Exercises (20 % - completion of the two practical exercises)

  • Completion of practical applications of different interventions and exercises from the field of positive psychology. You will be required to complete the exercise as described in the assignment, and submit a short written reflection on each of them (1/2 - 1 page). The reflections will be graded as complete/incomplete, not for content. This assignment is not about academic achievement, rather it is for you to try some of the exercises that are key to positive psychology, and to reflect on the effect or usefulness of them.

Group Project: Research presentation (30%)

In a group with 3-4 of your fellow students you investigate and present on factors that allow human flourishing in different settings.

Format:

Group project consisting of:

Video- Create a documentary video (Approximately 7 minutes)

and

Written paper ( 3 pages) - 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:

 

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

Course Summary:

Date Details Due