TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information 2 Course Outline 3 Course Syllabus.4 Required Readings..6 FAQ's..9 1
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY & JUDAISM (PSY544) GENERAL INFORMATION CONTENT: Positive psychology is a newly delineated branch of psychology. Unlike other fields of psychology, positive psychology shifts the focus from mental illnesses and repairing damage to focusing on cultivating an individual s strength and constructive traits. LECTURER: The principal lecturer of the course is Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar who taught the most popular course at Harvard University, Positive, as well as its third largest course, The of Leadership, with a total of over 1,400 students. Dr. Ben-Shahar holds a Ph.D in organizational behavior and a joint undergraduate degree in philosophy and psychology, both from Harvard University. He was appointed Harvard's John Eliot Scholar and spent a year conducting research on education at the University of Cambridge. For the past six years he has been teaching personal and organizational excellence, leadership, ethics and self esteem. He has conducted workshops for children in South Africa and the United States and currently runs seminars for senior executives in Singapore, India, Europe, Israel and the U.S. Ben- Shahar has been interviewed extensively in the media, including appearances on CNN Saturday, CN8 Morning, NECN Good Morning, Channel 7 News, Nite Beat and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Ben-Shahar is the author of several books including Happier and A Clash of Values: The Struggle for Universal Freedom. Happier is featured as one of the required texts in the Positive & course. COURSE: This online course is taught by Touro College instructors. Upon completion student will receive three credits from Touro College, an independent institution of higher and professional education with approximately 21,000 students currently enrolled in its various schools and divisions. Touro College is a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. 2
TOURO COLLEGE COURSE OUTLINE LANDER COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES DEPARTMENT: COURSE TITLE: Positive and COURSE NUMBER: PSY544 PREREQUISITES: None CREDIT HOURS: 3 NAME OF INSTRUCTOR: Rabbi Dr. Moshe Bleich COURSE DESCRIPTION This course in Positive and will examine core areas of wellbeing, including notions of personal change, interpersonal relationships, happiness and the interdependence of mind and body. Each unit will provide the student with studies and experimental data from the realm of Positive, and provide a comparison to 's approach to these same questions. The sessions will also provide practical direction to incorporate these principles for positive living into daily life. This is an online course taught via video, audio, text and the Blackboard Technology system. COURSE OBJECTIVES This course aims to provide a foundation in key elements of the discipline of Positive and to compare and contrast those elements through the perspective of Jewish sources. COURSE CONTENT Course units include: dynamics of personal change, self esteem, mindfulness, the mind-body connection, the effects of perception and circumstance on happiness, anger management, the role of the metaphysical, human nature and interpersonal relationships. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Students are expected to take all online units, complete required readings, participate in online discussions and complete assignments and tests. GRADING GUIDELINES 1. Midterm 30% (WEEK 8) 2. Final 40% (WEEK 16) 3. Participation and assignments 30% 3
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY & JUDAISM (PSY544) COURSE SYLLABUS Principal Lecturer: Dr. T. Ben-Shahar Assistant Lecturers: Dr. E. Becker, Rabbi M. Berger, Rabbi E. Feiner, Rabbi Y. Greenman, Rabbi Z. Pliskin, Rabbi M. Zeldman Course Outline This course in Positive and will examine core areas of well-being, including notions of personal change, interpersonal relationships, happiness and the interdependence of mind and body. Each unit will provide the student with studies and experimental data from the realm of Positive and will provide comparative sources from 's approach to the same topics. The sessions will provide practical direction that will empower students to incorporate the principles of positive living into their daily lives. Seminar 1: Introduction to Positive and (FILM) With Dr. Ben-Shahar & Rabbi Zeldman What are the goals of Positive and what distinguishes it from other fields of psychology and the self-help movement? This unit will focus on the role of well-being in 's approach to life and the centrality of pleasure in the Jewish paradigm. Seminar 2: Dynamics of Personal Change & Development (FILM) With Dr. Ben-Shahar & Dr. Becker This unit concentrates on the dynamics of personal change, including the complex relationship between behavior, attitude and emotion. Students will consider the role of habit versus acting with intent and will evaluate the merits of accepting rituals as established behavior patterns. Seminar 3: Permission to be Human (FILM) With Dr. Ben-Shahar & Rabbi Feiner The third unit will examine the distinction between altering human drives and channeling them. Course participants will analyze active acceptance vs. passive acquiescence as well as how to utilize in-born traits and weaknesses. Seminar 4: Goal Setting (MP3) With Dr. Ben-Shahar In this lesson, the process of goal setting and categorizing goals for maximum effect will be examined. Seminar 5: The Mind-Body connection (FILM) With Dr. Ben-Shahar & Rabbi Feiner The fifth seminar will focus on the ramifications of the Western schism between mind and body. Correlations will be drawn between exercise, sleep, meditation, touch and well-being. The physical and spiritual interface will be introduced. Seminar 6: Character Traits Workshop (MP3) With Rabbi Pliskin In this session, the instructor will discuss practical tools for working with character traits using the methodology of Maimonides. 4
Seminar 7: Focusing on the Positive (FILM) With Dr. Ben-Shahar & Rabbi Zeldman & Rabbi Greenman This unit focuses on the benefits of developing gratitude, identifying the skills necessary to appreciate the good and understanding 's obligation to integrate joy into daily living. Seminar 8: The Role of the Metaphysical (MP3) With Rabbi Berger Contextualizing the relationship with God within a schema of well-being is the primary focus of this session. The Jewish approach to recognizing Gods existence will also be discussed. Seminar 9: Self Esteem (FILM) With Dr. Ben-Shahar & Dr. Becker & Rabbi Zeldman This class will concentrate on the definition of self esteem based on worth and competence. Additional aspects of the lesson include analysis of dependent and independent self-esteem and objective standards of self-esteem and "self" in the broader context of "we". Seminar 10: Dealing with Challenges (MP3) With Rabbi Zeldman How does, a system that acknowledges God as the ultimate source of providence, deal with adversity? This lesson will consider which tools provides to help respond to challenges. Seminar 11: Interpersonal Relationships (FILM) With Dr. Ben-Shahar & Rabbi Zeldman What elements contribute to a happy relationship? Unit 11 deals with the centrality of relationships in personal happiness, the elusive nature of love and the interconnectedness of love and sexuality. Seminar 12: Jewish Festivals an annual cycle of wellbeing (MP3) With Rabbi Zeldman How does the annual cycle of Jewish festivals present a guideline to understanding positive life lessons and achieving well-being on personal and national levels? This session will focus on the deeper meaning of the Jewish calendar. Seminar 13: Anger Management (MP3) With Ms. Tzipporah Heller This unit will concentrate on how to deal with all forms of anger that are present within all people. 5
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS: POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY & JUDAISM (PSY544) REQUIRED READINGS* Happier: Tal Ben Shahar (McGraw Hill:2007) Available for purchase from Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) Gateway to Happiness: Z. Pliskin (Bnay Yakov: 1996) Available for purchase from Eichlers.com (www.eichlers.com) Class 1: Introduction to Positive and "Positive, Positive Prevention, and Positive Therapy", M. E. P. Seligman, Handbook of Positive C. R. Snyder and S. J. Lopez (Eds.) (Oxford University Press:2002), p.528-540. http://psych.upenn.edu/seligman/ppsnyderchapter.htm#top%20of%20page Happier, p vii-xiv; p3-8 Way of God M. Luzatto (Feldheim:1996) 1:2:1 Bible Deuteronomy, 5:29, 6:3, 6:18, 6:24, 10:12-13; 12:28 ": A Psychologically Orientated Philosophy", E. Honig Journal of and, (Springer:1991)Vol. 15 Number 1, p19-28 Permission to Receive, L. Keleman (Targum Press:1996) p125-169 Class 2: Dynamics of Personal Change and Development "Positive Progress: Empirical Validation of Interventions", Seligman, M. E. P., Park, N., & Peterson, C., American Psychologist: 2005 60, 410-421. www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/images/apaarticle.pdf Happier, p13-29 Strive for Truth, E. Dessler, (Feldheim: 1989) Vol. 2, p. 49-63 Sefer HaChinuch, (Feldheim:1978) Mitzvah 16, p. 119-121 and, A. Amsel, (Feldheim: 1969/1982) p29-33; 38-43 Rational Irrational Man, A. Amsel, (Feldheim:1976) p49-54 Class 3: Permission to be Human Excerpts from T. Ben Shahar s manuscript The Permission to be Human http://talbenshahar.com/images/stories/word/article5.doc "The Perfect Trap", M. R Basco,. Today (1999) http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=pto-19990501-000032&print=1 *Readings subject to change 6
and Meeting Points, A. Rabinowitz (Aronson: 1999) p19-39, p97-116 "To be Good or To Be Evil: Which is more Natural?" R. Bulka, Journal of and (Springer: 1990) Vol. 14(2) Summer p59-71 To Heal a Fractured World J. Sacks, (Contiuum: 2005) p238-249 Class 4: Goal Setting Happier, p31-80 Class 5: The Mind - Body Connection "Exercise: A Neglected Intervention in Mental Health Care?" P. Callaghan, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, (2004). 11, 476-483. http://talbenshahar.com/images/stories/pdf/article4.pdf Horeb S.R. Hirsch, (Soncino:1962) Part IV, Chapter 62, paragraphs 428, 429, (page 300-302) Guide for the Perplexed, M. Maimonides, trans. M. Friedlander (Dover Publications Inc: 1971) 3:27 "Shabbat as Therapy: Psychosynthesis and Shabbat Ritual", J. Ziff, Journal of and (Springer:1983) Vol 7(2) Spring Summer, p118-132 Letters to a Buddhist Jew, A. Tatz, and D. Gottlieb (Targum Press:2004) p. 203-214 Class 6: Character Traits Workshop Happier, p 83-110; p129-133 Gateway to Self Knowledge, Z.Pliskin (Aish HaTorah Publications: 1986) p56-78 Class 7: Focusing on the Positive "Counting Blessings versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective Well- Being in Daily Life", R. A. Emmons, & M. E. McCullough, (2003). Journal of Personality & Social, 88, 377-389. www./talbenshahar.com/images/stories/pdf/article2.pdf Happier, p147-163 Gates of Repentance, Rabbeinu Yonah (Feldheim:1990) p329, p351 Gateway to Happiness Z. Pliskin, (Bnay Yakov:1983) p 23-71 Class 8: Role of the Metaphysical Duties of the Heart, Ibn Pakuda (Feldheim:1997) Unity of God, Chapter 3-6 7
The Infinite Light: A Book About God, A. Kaplan (NCSY:1998) p110-118 (as appears in The Aryeh Kaplan Anthology Volume 1) published by Artscroll Class 9: Self Esteem "Self-Esteem and The Making of Independent Thinkers", T.Ben Shahar http://talbenshahar.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&itemid=44 Happier, p.141-145 Gateway to Happiness, p.115-134 Angels Don't Leave Footprints A. Twerski (Shaar Press:2001) p11-28, p63-65 To Heal A Fractured World, J Sacks (Continuum 2005) p.264-273 Class 10: Dealing with Challenges Happier, p.135-140. Gateway To Happiness,p233-257 To Heal A Fractured World, J Sacks (Continuum 2005) p215-224 Why Me God? L. Aiken, (Aaronson:1996) p. xx- xxiv and 1-12 Class 11: Interpersonal Relationships "What Makes Marriages Work", J. M. Gottman & N. Silver, (1994). Today. http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=pto-19940301-000022&print=1 Happier, p111-128 Strive for Truth E. Dessler, (Feldheim 1988) V. 1, p. 118-133 "Intimacy and Sexuality: Judeo-Psychological Insights", R. Bulka Journal of and (Springer:1993) Vol 17 Number 2 Summer p103-111 Class 12: The Jewish Festivals an annual cycle of wellbeing Happier,p147-149 ; p165-168 Sparks of Insipiration, D.Aaron : http://www.rabbidavidaaron.com/sparks.html Mirrors in Time A Psycho-Spiritual Journey through the Jewish Year, J.D.Ziff (Aronson: 1996) p4- p85 Class 13: Anger Management Gateway to Happiness,Ch. 11 (Anger) p.185-216 8
9 POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY & JUDAISM COURSE (PSY544) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. What is the course content and who are the lecturers? Please see the above Course Syllabus for an overview of each class and the specific lecturer. Our primary lecturer is Dr. Tal Ben Shahar of Harvard University. Other guest lecturers include Rabbi Zeldman and Rabbi Feiner, both of whom are popular lecturers, and Mrs. Tzipporah Heller, an internationally renowned author and speaker. 2. How many classes are there? There are 13 classes taught via film and mp3. 3. Is the course taught completely online? Yes. Therefore you need to have access to a computer which has: 1. Flash Player version 8.0 or higher 2. An Internet connection with browser 3. A media player such as Windows Media Player to listen to the mp3s downloadable from the Jerusalemonlineuniversity.com site. The students are also required to use Blackboard Learning System, the premiere educational software for online education. Login and PW are provided by your teaching assistant at Jerusalemonlineuniversity.com. 4. What is the structure of the course? Each class begins with a film or audio file between 45 minutes to an hour in length. This is followed by approximately two hours of required reading material, paired with a discussion question. Students must post their answers on Blackboard by 10 PM every Sunday, and Rabbi Dr. Moshe Bleich, Professor of Touro College will respond to these on a weekly basis. The course therefore has an independent and interactive component. At the end of each class there is also a short student feedback session. In total, the course consists of approximately 4.5 hours of work per week. 5. Are there exams? How does the grading work? There is a midterm exam approximately half way through the course. It is multiple choice test with approximately 50 questions done live online. The last week of the class there is a final exam. The format of this exam is three essays that must be done online in exam conditions. The midterm comprises 30% of the student's grade, and the final comprises 40% of the student's grade. The other 30% is based on handing in assignments on time and the quality of the assignments. 6. How much does the course cost? The course costs $549.99 for three credits. 7. When does the course begin? The course is in session three times a year during the fall, winter and summer semesters. The course runs for approximately 16 weeks. Please visit the website www.jerusalemonlineuniversity.com to see the next upcoming dates. 8. Who is the course taught by? The course is taught by Touro College instructors
9. What Institution do I receive my credits from? You receive your credits from Touro College, a member of the Middle States Commission of Higher Education. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. A Touro College transcript is given upon completion of the course which can then be submitted to the students' university to transfer the credits. Below is the contact information necessary to receive a copy of your transcript or to contact the Middle States Commission on Higher Education: 3624 Market Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 Tel: 267-284-5000 10. Which electives/major modules can this course satisfy? This is very much dependent upon your university. 11. How does a student enroll? A student can apply online at www.jerusalemonlineuniversity.com. For more information visit the website. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that their University will accept these credits. We suggest as a first step visiting your academic advisor. We will send you a packet of information that you can bring to your University. If you require any further assistance please contact our Jerusalem Online University Touro representative at info@jerusalemonlineu.com. 10