Positive Psychology: the Science of Happiness and Well-Being

While fulfillment and well-being mark some people's lives, many others remain dissatisfied with life. Positive Psychology is concerned with explaining how individuals and communities flourish through the scientific exploration of happiness, optimal human functioning, and civic engagement. The field of Positive Psychology has the objective of making life more satisfying and meaningful through interventions that promote and develop qualities such as self-knowledge, learned optimism, gratitude, mindfulness, resilience, and community connection. Students participate in both interactive lectures and on-line discussions, maintain weekly journals, and develop personal strengths through direct engagement with well-being initiatives.