PSYCHOLOGY 306 Positive Psychology and Human Strengths Southern Illinois University Carbondale Department of Psychology Spring 2013 ~ 3 Credits

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1 PSYCHOLOGY 306 Positive Psychology and Human Strengths Southern Illinois University Carbondale Department of Psychology Spring 2013 ~ 3 Credits Instructor: Patrick J. Rottinghaus, Ph.D. Office: Life Science II - Room 222C Phone: rpatrick@siu.edu Office Hours: Mon. & Wed., 1:00-3:00; Tues., 2:00-4:00; and by appointment. TA: Nupur Sahai, M.A. Office: Life Science II - Room 205A Phone: nupursahai@siu.edu Office Hours: Mon., 4:30-5:30; Wed., 11:00-12:00; and by appointment. Course Description: Welcome to Psychology Positive Psychology and Human Strengths. The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to a contemporary movement within the field of psychology known as "positive psychology." Generally speaking, positive psychology can be described as an effort to use the tools of rigorous science to help us understand the sources and nature of positive human strengths, characteristics, resources, and aspirations. Instead of focusing on abnormality in human thoughts, feelings, and actions, we will examine the science of people at their best. We will survey this emerging discipline, emphasizing ways to promote human potential. Topics will include happiness, optimism, wisdom, and intelligence among other aspects of optimal human functioning. Additionally, we will address applications of positive psychology in psychotherapy, assessment, and organizational settings. To accomplish these objectives, I ask each student to work with me on several levels including class lectures, discussions, videos, and personal exercises conducted within or outside of class time. These assignments include administering and interpreting personality inventories, and applying the concepts to your own life. By using these instruction methods, I hope to stimulate critical thinking regarding positive psychological functioning and how to enhance your understanding of people. Course Objectives: 1. To understand the history, aims, and scope of positive psychology. 2. To introduce and critically examine a growing body of research and writing on happiness, subjective well-being, and character strengths. 3. To investigate, guided by this literature, what kinds of experiences fulfill people, what human characteristics lead to personal effectiveness, and what social conditions appear to elicit these qualities and experiences. 4. To assess and evaluate one s own well-being, strengths, and limitations based on the information covered in class. 5. To be able to apply positive psychology to important domains in one s life and in the lives of others with whom you interact.

2 Required Texts: F) Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Fourish. New York: Free Press. SLP) Snyder, C. R., Lopez, S. J., & Pedrotti, J. T. (2011). Positive psychology: The scientific and practical explorations of human strengths (2 nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Additional Required Readings: Go to Morris Library s Course Reserves quick link on the left side of (These readings are also available on the Desire2Learn System.) R1) Diener, E., & Biswas-Diener, R. (2008). Happiness: Unlocking the mysteries of psychological wealth (pp ). Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing. R2) Boehm, J. K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2009). The promise of sustainable happiness. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Oxford handbook of positive psychology (pp ). New York: Oxford University Press. R3) Simonton, D. K. (2009). Creativity. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Oxford handbook of positive psychology (pp ). New York: Oxford University Press. R4) Compton, W. C. (2013). Positive health. In W. C. Compton & E. Hoffman (Eds.), Positive psychology: The science of happiness and flourishing (2 nd ed., pp ). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. R5) Linley, P. A., Joseph, S., Maltby, J. Harrington, S., & Wood, A. M. (2009). Positive psychology applications. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Oxford handbook of positive psychology (pp ). New York: Oxford University Press. R6) Warr, P., & Clapperton, G. (2010). The joy of work?: Jobs, happiness, and you (pp ). New York: Routledge. Attendance: You are expected to attend class regularly, participate in class discussions, and ask questions about the material. Please be respectful to your classmates by turning off cell phones and refraining from talking during lectures. Late assignments and make-up exams will not be allowed unless there is a legitimate, reasonable excuse that is communicated directly to the instructor prior to the absence. The instructor reserves the right to require written documentation in order to justify the opportunity to make up missed assignments or exams. Grading Criteria: There will be a total of two (2) exams, including a midterm (60 points) and cumulative final (100 points). Exams will cover material from lecture and required readings (including topics not explicitly covered in lecture). In addition, there will be two (2) quizzes worth 25 points each, a strength identification project (50 points), group project (50 points), and five (5) brief take-home assignments worth a total of 60 points. At least 5 points will be deducted for late assignments turned in within one week after the due date. You will be evaluated on how well you followed directions and met expectations of assignments, including clarity of writing, effort, and quality of content. Please review assignments carefully and staple multiple pages before turning them in to the instructor in person. DO NOT assignments! The following guidelines will be used for grading: 10 Excellent: Completed all aspects of assignment and extremely well-written. 9 Very Good: Completed all aspects of assignment with strong performance. 8 Good: Missed part of the directions, but otherwise performed well. 7 Fair: Missed part of the directions, and gave an adequate answer. 6 Weak: Missed part of the directions, and answer lacks coherence. 0-5 Poor: It was clear that you did not put forth much effort on assignment. 2

3 Strength Identification Project: This assignment involves interviewing another person and examining their positive qualities. A structured interview and assessments will be provided to guide you in seeking supporting information about the participant. You will be evaluated based on a brief (3-4 typed pages, double-spaced, using 12-point font and 1 margins) summary and reaction of your interview. Your reaction will emphasize how this person s positive qualities and life story relate to concepts discussed in this course. More detailed guidelines will be provided. Positive Psychology Media Group Project: In groups of 2-4, you will select a topic related to Positive Psychology and share a brief clip from a movie, television program, piece of music or other artwork, and discuss its relevance to positive psychology. These presentations allow students an opportunity to showcase the relevance of positive psychology in our culture. More detailed guidelines will be provided. Disability Statement: Students with documented disabilities requiring special accommodations are encouraged to speak with the instructor so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged. The Department of Psychology cooperates with the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) to make reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities (cf. Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504, Rehabilitation Act). If you have not registered with DSS, we encourage you to do so. Please present your written Accommodations Request to the instructor on or before the 4th class day. Emergency Procedures: Southern Illinois University Carbondale is committed to providing a safe and health environment for study and work. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the SIUC Emergency Response Plan and Building Emergency Response Team (BERT) program. Emergency response information is available on posters in buildings on campus, available on BERT s website at Department of Safety s website (disaster drop down), and in Emergency Response Guideline pamphlet. Know how to respond to each type of emergency. Instructors will provide guidance and direction to students in the classroom in the event of an emergency affecting your location. It is important that you follow these instructions and stay with your instructor during an evacuation or sheltering emergency. The Building Emergency Response Team will provide assistance to your instructor in evacuating the building or sheltering within the facility. Important Dates: Task Date Points Assignments (5) Throughout semester 50 Quizzes (2 worth 25 points each) February 13 th & April 8 th 50 Midterm March 6 th 60 Strength Identification Project Due April 1 st 50 Positive Psychology Media Group Project April 15 th April 24 th 50 Final Exam May 6 th 100 TOTAL 360 points Grading Scale: Percentage Points Grade 90% - 100% A 80% - 89% B 70% - 79% C 60% - 69% D Below 60% F 3

4 Tentative Class Schedule: Date Topic Readings M, 1/14 Introduction & Overview of Course W, 1/16 Foundations of Positive Psychology SLP1, F1 Assignment #1: Complete VIA Strengths Assessment (directions will be provided) M, 1/21 Class does not meet. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day W, 1/23 Foundations of Positive Psychology F2 & F4 ASSIGNMENT #1 DUE (Due dates for the remaining 4 assignments will be announced later.) M, 1/28 Subjective Well-Being/Happiness SLP6, R1 W, 1/30 Subjective Well-Being/Happiness F10 M, 2/4 Increasing Happiness R2 W, 2/6 Guest Lecture: Culture & SWB by Nupur Sahai, M.A. SLP2 & SLP4 Watch Film: Happy M, 2/11 Self-Efficacy, Optimism & Hope SLP8 W, 2/13 Positive Emotions, Coping & Motivation/QUIZ #1 SLP7, F8 M, 2/18 Guest Lecture: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Career Development & SWB by Laurent Sovet, Ph.D Candidate, National Conservatory of Arts & Crafts, Work & Development Research Centre, Paris, France. W, 2/20 Intelligence, Strengths, Motivation, & Positive Outcomes F6, SLP3 M, 2/25 Creativity & Giftedness R3 W, 2/27 Mindfulness, Flow, & Spirituality SLP10 M, 3/4 Flow & Optimal Experience/Review for Midterm Exam W, 3/6 MIDTERM EXAM Mar Spring Break Class does not meet M, 3/18 Applying Positive Psychology/Positive Psychotherapy SLP13-14, F3 W, 3/20 Wellness, Health Psychology, & Positive Coping F9, R4 M, 3/25 Positive Development Across the Life Span R5, SLP5 4

5 Date Topic Readings W, 3/27 Empathy, Altruism, Gratitude, & Forgiveness SLP11 M, 4/1 Wisdom & Courage SLP9 STRENGTH IDENTIFICATION PROJECT DUE W, 4/3 Healthy Relationships SLP12 M, 4/8 QUIZ #2/Media Project Preparation (attendance is required) W, 4/10 Positive Schooling SLP15, F5 M, 4/15 MEDIA PROJECTS (attendance is required) W, 4/17 MEDIA PROJECTS (attendance is required) M, 4/22 MEDIA PROJECTS (attendance is required) W, 4/24 MEDIA PROJECTS (attendance is required) M, 4/29 Good Work, Generativity, & Career Well-Being SLP16, F7, R6 W, 5/1 Future of Positive Psychology/Prepare for Final Exam SLP18 M, 5/6 FINAL EXAM (8:00 10:00 pm in Lawson 151) Note. Lecture notes will be posted to the Desire2Learn System every Wednesday evening. To advance your learning about positive psychology, additional news articles, video segments, and web sites will be posted to Desire2Learn throughout the semester. 5