Maastricht University

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1 Positive Psychology 2016 Draft Syllabus Course Information Name: Teaching Institution: Location: Positive Psychology Maastricht University Maastricht, The Netherlands Dates: 3 rd 23 rd January 2016 Duration: Course contact hours: Pre-requisites: 3 weeks Last updated 1 st July hours of academic classes and seminars plus additional site visits 1 year of study in a psychology degree or equivalent professional experience Instructor Information (To be confirmed) Prof. dr. Madelon Peters, dr. Hugo Alberts, dr. Elke Smeets and Marjolein Hanssen, Msc. from Maastricht University s Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience Course Description Positive psychology was introduced by Martin Seligman around 2000 and can be viewed as a supplementary approach to clinical psychology. The positive psychological movement formulated three aims: (1) to focus on well-being and happiness instead of abnormal behaviour and psychopathology, (2) to be concerned with building positive qualities and strengths instead of repairing damage and (3) to prevent future problems instead of correcting past and present problems. The course will start with a general introduction to the field of positive psychology. The main concepts will be introduced and clarified, and an overview of the results of happiness studies will be presented. In subsequent meetings, various more specific topics will be discussed by means of lectures and group discussions. There will be ample room to gain hands on experience with positive psychological techniques ranging from simple journaling exercises to mindfulness meditation. A scientific evidence-based approach will be leading. We will provide participant with the tools to be able to Page 1 of 5

2 evaluate and design research in the area of positive psychology, but also with the skills to apply some (basic) intervention techniques. The instructional approach will include lectures, interactive meetings, group discussions, practical workshops and student presentations. Final assessment will be by means of an individual paper on a topic of choice. On the last day of the course a student conference is held where each student presents his/her paper (review or research proposal) either by poster or through an oral presentation. Halfway through the course an abstract has to be handed in on the basis of which a selection of candidates for oral presentations will be made. Course Descriptions and Learning Outcomes Academic classes (36 hours) There will be at least 36 hours of academic classes, workshops and tutorials across the 3 weeks of the course. Classes will cover the following topics: Lectures: An introduction to positive psychology Positive Emotions Self-determination theory Positive psychology and health Happiness & wellbeing Positive psychology interventions Workshops: Mindfulness Positive Emotions Designing and conducting research in positive psychology Self-compassion Positive psychology coaching Tutorial group meetings: Applied positive psychology Resilience Cultural Activities The course includes a number of cultural activities, both inside and outside of Maastricht, designed to give participants an appreciation for Dutch culture and attitudes, and the regional context within which the country interacts. Page 2 of 5

3 The cultural program includes an integration program with local Dutch students, as well as field trips to Brussels, Bruges, and Amsterdam. Learning outcomes Course aim: This programme is intended to familiarise students with the concepts and ideas of positive psychology; provide in depth knowledge on selected topics within the field; be able to judge and design a positive psychological research project; and to give students hands on experience with some of the positive psychology intervention techniques. On completion of this program, students should be able to: Summarise the history, scope and aims of positive psychology Analyse research that supports the principles, strategies and skills of positive psychology Reflect on the differences between positive psychology principles and other theoretical principles of psychology Develop some of the fundamental positive psychology techniques Critically examine scientific evidence Apply the knowledge that gain during the course to real life situations Design a positive psychology research project Compare and contrast cultural differences between Europe and Australia Course requirements (assessment to be confirmed) Students are required to undertake the following assessment. 3 x Popular scientific writing (DYKT s) 20% Oral/poster presentation 30% Final paper (min words) 50% The final paper must be submitted no later than Sunday 14 February 2016, 11.59pm (GMT+1). Australian universities may choose to request additional assessment from students, such as submitting a reflective journal, in order to approve credit transfer (this is strictly optional). Attendance Students are required to attend all lectures, presentations, visits, practical and cultural activities that are scheduled as part of the program. Page 3 of 5

4 The attendance rules for this course are specified in the CES Academic Guide It is the responsibility of the student to carefully read this document and comply with all rules and regulations. Class participation Students will be required to participate in discussions during lectures, seminars and visits. Academic honesty Students will be required to comply with Maastricht University s policies regarding plagiarism and academic integrity. Grading The course will be assessed against the standardised ECTS grading system (A F). Those obtaining passing grades are divided into five subgroups: the best 10% are awarded an A-grade, the next 25% a B-grade, the following 30% a C- grade, the following 25% a D-grade and the final 10% an E-grade. Those who do not achieve a performance sufficient to allow a passing grade are divided into two subgroups: FX (Fail some more work required before credit can be awarded) and F (Fail considerable further work is required). Students will receive a transcript from Maastricht stating their results. The official transcript will usually be available 4-6 weeks after the conclusion of the final program assessment. Available Support Services The program is fully supported by Maastricht s international office and students will have access to both academic and pastoral support. Students will have access to campus computing and library facilities to assist them with completing the program s required assessment. Contact Information For further information regarding this syllabus, please contact the Australian Institute for Mobility Overseas: info@aimoverseas.com.au Phone: (02) Web: Page 4 of 5

5 Draft Course Schedule Below is a sample schedule of January 2015 program: N.B. Course schedule is subject to change Page 5 of 5