The student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of major theories and research findings in the field of positive psychology
2. Analyze research methods (including measures, interventions, and research paradigms)
3. Evaluate evidence for the validity, both internal and external, of empirical claims in contemporary positive psychology research
4. Compare the research findings in positive psychology to research in traditional fields of psychology, including neuroscience, cognitive information processing, lifespan development, social psychology, personality theory, and clinical psychology
5. Apply positive psychology theory to situations of daily life
6. Demonstrate proficiency in social science writing and in utilizing APA style
7. Gain a better understanding of self and others in the world
8. Demonstrate critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes
9. Evaluate empirical evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science
10. Assess the basic model and applications of evolutionary psychology and systems theory

1. Positive psychology
   1. Positive psychology (e.g., building human strengths, balance in human functioning)
   2. Eastern and Western cultures, and history of positive psychology
      1. Individualist vs. collectivist cultures
      2. Triandis
      3. Greek philosophy
      4. Eastern philosophy and psychology models of development
      5. Humanistic psychology (Maslow)
      6. Application to everyday life (wisdom skills)
2. Evolutionary psychology
   1. Genetic predispositions vs. genetic determinism
   2. Adaptations vs. byproducts (why are we the way we are?)
   3. Models of development in evolutionary psychology
   4. Evolutionary clinical psychology
3. Emotions
   1. Definitions
   2. Theories (traditional and contemporary models)
   3. Research
   4. A systems theory conceptualization of emotions
   5. Models in psychology (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness)
   6. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
   7. Acceptance commitment therapy
   8. Dialectical behavioral therapy
   9. Practice and applications
4. Emotional intelligence
   1. Theories and models
   2. Assessments (e.g., self report vs. performance-based)
   3. Training for emotional intelligence
   4. Research outcomes in applied settings (e.g., school, workplace performance)
5. Multiple intelligences and creativity
   1. Theories and models (e.g., Gardner, Sternberg)
   2. Research
   3. Applications
6. Wisdom
   1. Definitions and models (e.g., lifespan development, Western psychological science)
   2. Eastern philosophies (e.g., Confucianism, Taoism)
   3. Research (e.g., Baltes)
   4. Application
7. Mindfulness
   1. Theory
   2. Western models
   3. Eastern models
      1. Research (e.g., mindfulness in development)
      2. Applications
8. Positive psychology measures/assessments
   1. Areas of assessments
   2. Research studies using above assessments
   3. Applications
9. Happiness and life satisfaction
   1. Theories and models (e.g., Seligman)
   2. Research
   3. Applications (e.g., money, kindness)
10. Love, relationships, and sexuality
    1. Theories
       1. Western and Eastern cultural differences
    2. Research (e.g., Gottman, Robins)
    3. Applications
11. Optimism and resilience
    1. Theories (e.g., Seligman)
    2. Domains of applications
12. Health, stress, coping
    1. Theories (e.g., medical model, prevention model, systems models)
    2. Research
    3. Short and long term effects of stress and anger
    4. Efficacy of intervention
    5. Efficacy of prevention
    6. Applications
13. Gratitude
    1. Theories (e.g., Emmons)
    2. Research (e.g., Keltner)
    3. Applications
14. Empathy and compassion
    1. Theories
       1. Definitions of empathy and compassion
    2. Emotion
    3. Behavior (e.g., evolutionary psychology)
    4. Research
    5. Implications to emotions
    6. Impact on helping behaviors
    7. Applications
15. Humility and awe
    1. Theories and definitions
    2. Research (e.g., emotions, relationships, workplace)
    3. Applications
16. Courage
    1. Theory and definitions
    2. Research
    3. Applications
17. Flow
    1. Theories (e.g.,Csikszentmihalyi)
    2. Research
    3. Applications (e.g., school, work, sports)
18. Resilience and hardiness
    1. Theory
    2. Research
    3. Applications
19. Forgiveness
    1. Theory
       1. Models of forgiveness
    2. Research (e.g., Luskin, relationships, natural disasters)
    3. Applications
20. Altruism and pro-social behavior
    1. Theories and definitions
    2. Evolutionary psychology
    3. Social psychology (e.g., protecting, sacrificing)
    4. Research
    5. Applications (e.g., justice, equality)
21. Positive work
    1. Theory (e.g., workplace performance, career with meaning)
    2. Research (e.g., emotional intelligence at work)
    3. Applications

Not applicable.

Quizzes
Examinations (multiple choice and/or short answer, essay questions)
Problem-solving exercises
Paper(s) integrating personal observations/experiences to theories and research findings in positive psychology
Research project (individual or group)

Lecture
Class discussions
Active learning exercises
Group work
Films

Lopez, S.J., J.T. Pedrotti, and C.R. Snyder. Handbook of Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths, 4th ed.. 2018.

Snyder, C.R., S.J. Lopez, L.M. Edwards, and S.C. Marques (editors). Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 3rd ed.. 2021.

Zelenski, J.. Positive Psychology The Science of Well-Being, 1st ed.. 2019.

1. Past and current journal articles on various topics in the field of positive psychology
2. Application papers: 2-3 pages in APA format, not including abstract, title page, or references