Course Syllabus
Positive Psychology |
| Semester & Location: |
Spring 2024 - DIS Stockholm |
| Type & Credits: |
Core Course - 3 credits |
| Course Study Tours: |
Gothenburg, Sweden (short tour) Athens, Greece (long tour) |
| Major Disciplines: |
Psychology, Human Development, Education/Educational Studies |
| Prerequisite: |
One psychology course at university level. |
| Prerequisite: |
A psychology course at university level. |
| Faculty Members: |
Susanna Z. Papp (current students please use the Canvas Inbox) |
| Program Contact: |
Department email address psy.cns@dis.dk |
| Academic Support: | academics@disstockholm.se |
| Time & Place: |
Mondays & Thursdays 14.50-16.10 Classroom: 1E-510 |
Course Description
This course in positive psychology aims to provide students with an introduction to the core ideas of theories on happiness, well-being and human flourishing as well as acquainting them with the growing body of research evidence on creating, maintaining and developing positive individuals, relationships, organizations and communities. The focus of the course will be on applied positive psychology.
The structure of the course is as follows:
- Introduction to positive psychology: history, key concepts, measurements and well-being in a Swedish context
- Cognitive and emotional processes in positive psychology: positive illusions, explanatory style, positive emotions and compassion.
- Attentional processes in positive psychology: flow and mindfulness and their applications
- Interpersonal aspects of positive psychology includes themes on positive relations, forgiveness, and positive communication.
- Applying positive psychology: Students will have a group project on designing a positive psychology intervention.
- Coping in positive psychology focuses on resilience, post-traumatic growth, meaning and gratitude
- Achievements and accomplishments: self-concordance and goal-setting, grit, self-regulation
- Synthesis: the role of flexibility and complexity in intra- and interpersonal well-being
- Closing: the future of positive psychology
Learning Objectives
- To understand the basic assumptions, principles and concepts of positive psychology
- To investigate positive psychology phenomena in real life
- To critically evaluate positive psychology theory and research
- To learn ways how positive psychology approaches can be applied in daily living
Faculty
Susanna Z. Papp, PhD.
Susanna is a psychologist, lecturer, and trainer. She holds a Ph.D. in psychology (ELTE Eötvös Lóránd University, Budapest). She has a decade of experience as a lecturer and over a thousand hour experience in holding skill development training in communication, conflict-management, and cultural competences. She is trained in mediation and restorative methods. With DIS since 2017.
Readings
Textbooks (e-book available on Canvas>Modules)
- Hart, R. (2021). Positive Psychology: The Basics. New York: Routledge.
Required Articles on Canvas:
- 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.
- Bonanno, G.A. (2004). Loss, trauma, and human resilience: Have we underestimated the human capacity to thrive after extremely aversive events? American Psychologist, 59, 20-28. https://www.tc.columbia.edu/faculty/gab38/faculty-profile/files/americanPsychologist.pdf
- Emmons, R. A., Mishra, A. (2011) Why gratitude enhances well-being: what we know, what we need to know. In: Sheldon, M.K. Et al. (Eds.) (2011). Designing Positive Psychology. Taking Stock and Moving Forward. New York: Oxford University Press (pp. 228-258)
- Frisén, A., Holmqvist, K. (2010) What characterizes early adolescents with a positive body image? A qualitative investigation of Swedish girls and boys. Body Image, 7, 205-212.
- MacKenzie, M. J., Baumeister, R. F. (2014) Meaning in life: Nature, needs, and myths. In: Batthyany, A., Russo-Netzer, P. (Eds.) (2014) Meaning in Positive and Existential Psychology. New York: Springer. (pp. 25-35)
- Mavrikos-Adamou, T. (2015) Informal relationships and stuctures in Greece and their effects on civil society formation. In: Clarke, J., Huliaras, A., Sotiropoulos, D. (2015) Austerity and the third sector in Greece. England: Ashgate (pp. 45-62)
- Uchida, Y., & Ogihara, Y. (2012). Personal or interpersonal construal of happiness: A cultural psychological perspective. International Journal of Wellbeing, 2(4), 354-369
Books on reserve in library
Students can also find the following books in the DIS library. Required readings from these books will be available on Canvas.
- Frankl, Victor E. (2006). Man’s Search for Meaning. Boston: Beacon Press
- Lyubomirsky, S (2011). The How of Happiness. A Practical Guide to Getting the Life You Want. New York: The Penguin Press
- Sheldon, M.K. Et al. (Eds.) (2011). Designing Positive Psychology. Taking Stock and Moving Forward. New York: Oxford University Press
- Snyder, C. R., Lopez, S. J., Pedrotti, J.T. (2011) Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths. CA: Sage Publications
- Hefferon K., Boniwell, I., (2011). Positive Psychology. Theory, Research, and Applications. UK: McGraw Hill.
- Snyder, C. R., Lopez, S. J. (Eds.) (2009). Handbook of Positive Psychology. New York: Oxford University Press
Optional readings:
Besides required readings students are provided a collection of optional readings for each class. The purpose of optional readings is multiple:
- When the instructor presents research or theories in class that are not included in the required readings students can find the original sources in the optional readings section,
- When a topic is multifaceted and has more interesting aspects or applications there is not always time to cover all of them in class. Students who are interested in other areas can read further.
- Optional readings help students to find more sources for their group project presentation and final paper.
Field Studies
Please note that field study programs and guest lectures may change.
Mindfulness Workshop
Workshop holders:
- Annalies van't Westeinde, PhD - Postdoctoral researcher at Karolinska, yoga and meditation teacher
- Alexandra Geric (Ivy) - Mindfulness and nonviolent communication facilitator at Moonwise, yoga and meditation teacher.
The workshop gives a theoretical introduction to the study of mindfulness and invites students to try out various mindfulness practices and discuss their aim and their expected benefits.
Character Strengths in Action Workshop
Our guest speaker Evelina Fredriksson will give us a two hour interactive lecture on character strengths. Evelina founded the Swedish Institute of Positive Psychology in Stockholm and serves as an Assistant Instructor at Master of Positive Psychology Program at the University of Pennsylvania working together with Martin Seligman.
Study Tours
Core Course week/Short Tour in Gothenburg
Purpose: The purpose of the core course week (CCW) is to explore various aspects of positive psychology in real life.
The core course week provides students with possibilities of different ways of learning including workshops, exercises, and interactive lectures that will be integrated with positive psychology research and theories.
During our day in Stockholm we will be focusing on mindfulness. On our 3-day study tour in Gothenburg we will be exploring different questions, such as:
- Does spending money on ourselves or on others make us happier?
- Is a positive body image different from a lack of a negative one, or is there more to it? Why is a positive body image important and how can we cultivate it?
Students will have an orientation before departure and the travel intinerary will be posted on canvas the Friday before departure the latest.
Long Study tour: Exploring well-being in Greece
Purpose: The purpose of the long study tour is to explore well-being in the Greek (cultural, historical and political) context and make informed comparisons with the Swedish and US culture.
On tour we investigate sources of Greek happiness, well-being and resilience, explore the roots of positive psychology through ancient Greek philosophy and savor the hedonic (gastronomic and natural) pleasures offered by this country. The cultural activities include a guided visit to the Acropolis.
We will focus on positive initiatives and structures as well as on learning about the culture and life in contemporary Athens. The study tour will include field visits, lectures, exercises as well as sightseeing and cultural activities.
Students will have an orientation after class on the week before departure and the travel itinerary will be posted on canvas the Friday before departure the latest.
Guest Lecture
Please note that guest speakers may change.
Dr. Maria Alvanou
Dr. Alvanou is a criminologist and researcher. She holds a Ph.D. in criminology, and a postgraduate studies title in History, Philosophy & Sociology of Law. She is a Supreme Court Defense Lawyer and as a Mediator and Fellow of the World Mediation Organization. Dr. Alvanou will give an introduction to the Greek context through discussing Greek culture and values.
Approach to Teaching
The class will involve an interactive pedagogy with short lectures, group activities, discussions, personal reflections and guest lectures as well as workshops and field studies. Students are encouraged to apply theory in practice as well as sharing reflections in class. The instructor together with the students is responsible for creating a safe and engaging learning environment.
Expectations of the Students
In order to successfully complete the course students are required to attend all classes, field studies and study tour events. Students can benefit the most from the class if they come prepared. It includes being punctual, attentive and prepared with the assigned readings and homework. Engaging constructively in classwork means active listening during lecture time, asking questions, sharing knowledge and academic or personal reflections during discussions or group-work and being able to shift successfully between these different work modes. Active engagement also includes being present not only physically but mentally as well. Regular multitasking, disengaging or disruptive behaviors negatively affect the grade. Students can contribute to a higher quality and a more fun learning experience by their active participation. By being respectful to one another and by being proactive they can also contribute to class well-being.
Evaluation
Students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of positive psychology through various assignments over the course of the semester. The individual written assignments (core course week paper and final paper) motivate students to deepen, integrate and synthetize their knowledge using their analytical and academic thinking skills. The group project assignment provides an opportunity for students to use their creativity and interest in the applied field of positive psychology as well as to practice teamwork and persuasive academic presentation.
Grading
Detailed assignment description will be available on Canvas.
Academic Honesty
Plagiarism and Violating the Rules of an Assignment
DIS expects that students abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic work. DIS assumes that all students do their own work and credit all work or thought taken from others. Academic dishonesty will result in a final course grade of “F” and can result in dismissal. The students’ home universities will be notified. DIS reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in electronic form for submission to plagiarism detection software. See the Academic Handbook for more information, or ask your instructor if you have questions.
Policy on late papers
Late papers will not be accepted. Once the schedule of the group presentations is agreed it can not be modified.
If a file uploaded as an assignment (individual or group) is not downloadable, the student will get a notification and needs to send the file via email within two days. If the student fails to do this, the assignment automatically result in 0 points.
Use of laptops or phones in class
In order to motivate students' engagement laptops or phones are required to be used for only note taking purposes unless instructed otherwise.
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:
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