What makes human beings flourish? In this course, you will examine, discuss, and apply theories and research within the field of Positive Psychology. Lectures, readings, papers, and in-class exercises are based on the scientific discoveries, philosophical questions, historical perspectives, and practices of happiness.
Topics include biological and physiological determinants of happiness, how happiness is measured, roles of human neuroanatomical structures in well-being, human character strengths and virtues, positive emotions, meaning and engagement, relationships, accomplishment, resilience, pleasure vs. long-term happiness, bi-directional relationship between physical health and positive affect, roles of evolution and motivation in happiness, and whether or not the pursuit of happiness is a practical endeavor and moral obligation.
Become a Science-Based Practitioner!
The Positive Psychology toolkit is a science-based, online platform containing 135+ exercises, activities, interventions, questionnaires, assessments and scales.
What is the setup of this course?
UCLA Extension is the first higher institution to offer an online, 4-unit Positive Psychology course and whose credits are accepted at most accredited universities. Happiness: Theory, Research, and Application in Positive Psychology is a 12-week course which is open to everyone, offered twice per year, and consistently receives the highest student evaluations. It is taught by UCLA/UPenn alum and former UCLA Relationship, UCRiverside, and UPenn Positive Psychology Center researcher, Emily vanSonnenberg.
The course is highly applied and provides a comprehensive examination into the scientific, philosophical, biological, and evolutionary aspects of Positive Psychology. Students engage in discussions with classmates and write papers based on rigorous research and positive intervention strategies. It can be taken for a letter grade, as Pass/No Pass, or Not For Credit.
UCLA Extension at Figueroa Courtyard downtown classroom center
What do students get out of this course?
Students will walk away with a strong foundation in Positive Psychology, the ability to discern and integrate what accounts for un/happiness, and numerous practical strategies they can use to enhance their own and others’ well-being.
The course is designed for the general public, and attracts people from all over the world. Past participants have included: undergraduate students, mental health, caregiving, and PhD psychology professionals, medical students and doctors, artists–dancers, actors, writers, musicians, athletes, bankers, and entrepreneurs. People who are interested in the science of happiness and want to learn how to become reliably happier, and help others do the same, will likely find this course beneficial.
Price: $625 through 2/28, $685 after 2/28
Next offered:
Spring 2014: March 31 – June 22
Summer 2014: June 23 – September 14
For more detailed information about this course please contact Emily vanSonnenberg or click here to enroll.
A special thanks goes out to Emily vanSonnenberg.
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