Wk
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Topics in class
Introduction
Different conceptions of happiness
Savoring
The new science of happiness
Historical perspective:
How the idea of happiness has changed over time
Film: Thirteen Conversations About One Thing
The pros and cons of choices
Flow
NO CLASS
Physical Exercise & Happiness
Mindfulness (with Ben Howard.) Class to be held in Miller 301
Gratitude
No Class
Basic values
Readings / listenings
(Complete these during the week; be ready to discuss them at the next class.)
Wallis, The new science of happiness (Time, 2005)
Kahneman, Experience vs Memory (TED talk)
Fred Bryant, The art of savoring
Martin Seligman on Positive Psychology (TED talk)
Darrrin McMahon, "The Tragedy of Happiness" (photocopy)
Daniel Gilbert, Why are we happy? (TED talk)
A. de Botton on happiness and films
M. Gladwell on Spaghetti Sauce (TED Talk)
B. Schwartz, "The Paradox of Choice" (TED Talk)
M. Czikszentmihalyi on "Flow" (TED Talk)
T.B. Bowden--Commentary on the flow theory
Tracy Sheen "Finding Flow in Writing"
FInd one or two readings on the relation between physical exercise and happiness, preferably ones that concern issues that aren't too obvious or well-known.
Activities / Assignments
(Complete these during the week; be ready to discuss them at the next class.)
Begin a journal. Record every night 2 or 3 things that gave you pleasure during the day. (Do this every day for the whole semester.)
Assess yourself - Take the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire and try Diener's Satisfaction With Life Scale
Trip to Foster Lake
Journal topic: Why do people enjoy walking around a lake?
Find and submit a song (with lyrics) that you think says something about contemporary conceptions of happiness.
1. Print out or copy the Challenge/Skill chart and plot your activities on it.
2. Try to identify which activities bring you closest to achieving flow.
Exercise vigorously for at least 30 minutes at least 4 times in the week.
Record in your journal what effect (if any) this has on your mood, energy level, productivity, etc..