PSY 225 Positive Psychology
This course provides an introduction to the relatively new field of positive psychology. Positive psychology calls for as much focus on strength as on weakness, as much interest in building the best things in life as in repairing the worst, and as much attention to fulfilling the lives of healthy people as to healing the wounds of the distressed. Historically, psychology has been ‘negative’ in orientation. It has narrowly sought to understand and repair human weaknesses and liabilities. Positive psychologists say the psychology of the past sixty years is incomplete. As simple as that sounds, it demands a change in perspective. This seminar focuses on the basics of positive psychology. Students are provided with opportunities to understand theory and research pertaining to the psychology of human strengths, assets, abilities, and talents. Knowledge gains are reinforced with personalized experiential learning exercises. Prerequisite: None.