Historically, psychology has been somewhat negative in orientation, through an emphasis on human weaknesses and liabilities, abnormalities, developmental difficulties, pathology, and treatment modalities. Mental illness, rather than mental health, has been a primary focus for research and practice. This course describes how the scope of psychology has recently been broadened to understand positive emotion, build strength and virtue, and provide a framework for creating what Aristotle called the good life. Topics include happiness (subjective well-being, positive emotions), optimal performance, personal fulfillment, optimal wellness/medical health, emotional intelligence, creativity, optimism, hope, self-efficacy, goals and life commitments, wisdom, spirituality, meaning and purpose in life, and the civic virtues.
Prerequisite
Completion of PSYC& 100 with a 0.7 or higher.