PSYC 295Z
Summer 2026
| Section:
01
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Positive psychology is the study of human strengths and happiness. The field has compiled an enormous research base offering evidence of the fundamental components of well-being and flourishing. While early research employed a narrow, "Western" definition of happiness, the discipline later broadened its focus to include traditionally "Eastern" concepts such as social harmony and compassion. More recently, the field has been redefined through second-wave and third-wave positive psychologies, which seek to break free from the binary concepts of "positive" and "negative" in favor of a dialectic approach, while utilizing concepts of flourishing through suffering, and including models for systemic change. This course will primarily utilize journal articles to trace the history and development of positive psychology from its inception to the current state of the field. Core concepts will be discussed and critiqued. Students will be required to keep a "flourishing journal" and complete out-of-class activities for personal reflection and practice of individual experiences of well-being. Additional course requirements include shorter and longer reflection papers, in-class discussion, and a final project. This course is being offered as a blend of synchronous class meetings and asynchronous work. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS PSYC |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Psychology) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 - Summer Session II |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
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This course utilizes journal articles.
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Examinations and Assignments:
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Class Attendance: 20%
In-Class Participation: 20%
Flourishing Journal: 10%
Reflection Papers: 25%
Final Project: 25% |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
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Students are required to keep their cameras on throughout this zoom class in order to qualify for the class attendance and in-class participation portions of their grade |
| Instructor(s): D'Andrea,Jennifer Times: .MTWR.. 01:30PM-03:30PM; Location: ONLINE; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 20 | | SR major: 4 | JR major: 4 | | |
| Seats Available: 20 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 4 | JR non-major: 4 | SO: 4 | FR: X |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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