Positive Psychology

Course Number
LSOC-214
Description

This course introduces the study of positive psychology, the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The major aims of this course are to understand what positive psychology is (how do we define positive psychology) and what the goals of this discipline are. More specifically we will cover positive psychology’s focus on balance and totality (looking at both sickness and wellness, how to both avoid the former and to promote the latter), promotion of positive outcomes (not just curbing negative outcomes) and reliance on scientific evidence (understanding psychological research methodology as well as the physiological, neurobiological and evolutionary underpinnings of topics). We will also touch on the social nature of humans, the communicability of positive stimuli, emotions and moods, and the most important pursuits in life (connecting with others, pursuing meaning, and experiencing some degree of pleasure or satisfaction).

Credits
3
Prerequisites
LENG-111
Required Of
None
Electable By
All
Semesters Offered
Fall
Location
Boston
Department
LART
Course Chair
Marcela Castillo-Rama
Taught By
Courses may not be offered at the listed locations or taught by the listed faculty for every semester. Consult my.berklee.edu to find course information for a specific semester.