This seminar looks at current theories on happiness and positive psychology as well as practical implications of those theories for our own lives. It explores the concept of happiness, different cultural definitions of happiness, and the connection between happiness, optimism, and meaning. Also explored are practical strategies for creating more opportunities for happiness in our lives and for learning how to deal more effectively with sources of unhappiness.
This seminar is part of the Experimental Study Group at MIT.

Martin Seligman talks about psychology -- as a field of study and as it works one-on-one with each patient and each practitioner. As it moves beyond a focus on disease, what can modern psychology help us to become? A quiz, thought provoking question, and links for further study are provided to create a lesson around the 24-minute video. Educators may use the platform to easily "Flip" or create their own lesson for use with their students of any age or level.

A brief history of the positive psychology movement is presented, and key themes within positive psychology are identified. Three important positive psychology topics are gratitude, forgiveness, and humility. Ten key findings within the field of positive psychology are put forth, and the most important empirical findings regarding gratitude, forgiveness, and humility are discussed. Assessment techniques for these three strengths are described, and interventions for increasing gratitude, developing forgiveness, and becoming more humble are briefly considered.

Includes sample syllabus, Edited & Remixed: Tao of Positive Psychology, Possible Course Materials & Resources, and Proposed Term Schedule.

PSY 439 Positive Psychology

Examines psychological factors and principles that help explain positive outcomes, well-being and personal growth in humans. Areas of focus will include positive emotional experiences and appraisals such a happiness, life satisfaction, well-being, positive personal characteristics, interests and values, and positive institutions as they promote growth and fulfilling experiences. There will be a significant applied component of the class in which students will explore their own reactions and personal qualities.

Psychology is designed to meet scope and sequence requirements for the single-semester introduction to psychology course. The book offers a comprehensive treatment of core concepts, grounded in both classic studies and current and emerging research. The text also includes coverage of the DSM-5 in examinations of psychological disorders. Psychology incorporates discussions that reflect the diversity within the discipline, as well as the diversity of cultures and communities across the globe.Senior Contributing AuthorsRose M. Spielman, Formerly of Quinnipiac UniversityContributing AuthorsKathryn Dumper, Bainbridge State CollegeWilliam Jenkins, Mercer UniversityArlene Lacombe, Saint Joseph's UniversityMarilyn Lovett, Livingstone CollegeMarion Perlmutter, University of Michigan

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Define and discuss happiness, including its determinantsDescribe the field of positive psychology and identify the kinds of problems it addressesExplain the meaning of positive affect and discuss its importance in health outcomesDescribe the concept of flow and its relationship to happiness and fulfillment

TED Studies, created in collaboration with Wiley, are curated video collections — supplemented by rich educational materials — for students, educators and self-guided learners. In Understanding Happiness, expert explorers of the mind chart our understanding of how happiness is created and cultivated. Their insights challenge our most basic cultural, political and economic assumptions and are transforming the field of psychology.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Define and discuss happiness, including its determinantsDescribe the field of positive psychology and identify the kinds of problems it addressesExplain the meaning of positive affect and discuss its importance in health outcomesDescribe the concept of flow and its relationship to happiness and fulfillment

Review of "Tao of Positive Psychology"
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Vtx4JxxNMDIZZWvD0COZ2CPm6iVeAIdYeQ6cROOqGJA

This is an OER textbook for Positive Psychology. It takes an historical approach and includes a section on areas in which a positive approach to psychology is most needed (e.g., the field of disability studies).

A twenty minute talk delivered at the Innovative Teaching Conference at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, New York in the summer of 2010.