Course Description
A study of the science and practice of health and well-being, which is situated within the field of positive psychology. Students engage in a series of evidence-based practices designed to develop skills and habits supporting health and well-being. Students work on building conditions enabling a person to flourish.
Athena Title
Science of Well-Being
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to: • Summarize the theory and research underpinning the science of health and well-being • Describe elements of health and well-being, including positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement • Understand the role that health habits, emotional states, and cognitive processes play in promoting or detracting from well- being • Self-assess and self-monitor the measurable elements of health and well-being • Develop psychological practices and health habits that promote well-being and enable a person to flourish • Identify and problem-solve how to avoid obstacles that interfere with and undermine health and well-being • Develop future-oriented plans for sustaining and improving one’s own health and well-being
Topical Outline
• Theories of well-being and authentic happiness • Misconceptions about happiness and life satisfaction • Happiness, life satisfaction, and flourishing • The measurable elements of well-being • Assessment of character strengths and virtues • Identification of health habits, emotional states, and cognitive processes that impact well-being • Application: Building new habits and practices that lead to improved well-being
Syllabus