The Art and Science of Happiness

Calendar

WEEK #	TOPICS
1	Introduction: Defining happiness Do pre-class questionnaire Do Who Am I exercise—discuss why you are taking this class Look at different definitions of happiness
2	Overview of positive psychology What is it and how does it differ from traditional psychology? What are the benefits and drawbacks of this approach? How does it work in therapy?
3	Happiness vs. pleasure What is happiness? How is it measured? How does it differ from pleasure?
4	Cognitive styles Optimism & pessimism—what is the difference? How do they work in practice? Is there such a thing as realistic optimism? Realistic pessimism?
5	Strengths What are our strengths? How can we use them and in what capacities? What are their limitations?  Guest speaker: Tamara Menghi, Associate Director, Employer Relations and Career Programs, MIT Global Education & Career Development
6	Unhappiness, sadness and depression What is depression and how does it differ from sadness or unhappiness—how does it relate to suffering? Is there value in suffering? How can we recognize and treat depression?
7	Happiness in relationships Do friendship maps exercise Discuss what makes for a good romantic relationship Discuss healthy relationships with parents
8	Wellness and flow Class exercises to include yoga and meditation
9	Happiness and diversity (cultural and religious) Investigates how different cultures and generations define happiness Viewing Video clips from interviews with people from a different culture
10	Happiness and decision making Guest speaker: Dorise Gruber, Assistant Director for Freshman Affairs, Boston University School of Management
11	Finding meaning in our lives
12	Open topic (to be decided by students), evaluations and wrap up