Spring 2025 - PSYC 364 D100
The Science of Happiness (3)
Class Number: 5310
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 11, 2025
Fri, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Burnaby
-
Instructor:
Lara Aknin
laknin@sfu.ca
1 778 782-9563
Office: RCB 6241
Office Hours: TBD
-
Prerequisites:
PSYC 201, 260.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Examines the scientific study of happiness and well-being. Focuses on the measurement, predictors, and consequences of human happiness. Students with credit for PSYC 391 under the title "The Science of Happiness" may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
We will be exploring the fast-growing area of research on the scientific study of happiness. Each week, we will read, analyze, and discuss key articles and book chapters that shed light on the measurement, predictors, and consequences of human happiness. The goal of this class is to introduce you to this burgeoning field of scientific inquiry and provide you with an opportunity to try some research-supported routes to happiness. While doing so, you will be asked to engage with and evaluate original research, reflect upon your own experiences, generate novel testable ideas, as well as practice critical thinking, clear writing, group work,and communication.
This course will cover topics that span the definition, measurement, predictors, and consequences of happiness.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
By the end of this course you should be able to:
1. Identify the three components of subjective well-being.
2. Name and describe the three factors contributing to chronic happiness levels.
3. List at least five research-supported routes to boosting happiness and cite specific
experimental evidence to support each.
4. List at least three potential outcomes of happiness, and cite supporting evidence.
5. Clearly relay happiness related concepts and evidence with the public.
Grading
- Participation: 15%
- Group Project: 20%
- Final Paper: 20%
- Writing Assignments: 45%
NOTES:
There will be NO tutorials during Week 1.
REQUIREMENTS:
Each weekly lesson will include a ~60-75 minute lecture, demos, small group conversation, and application exercises.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Course readings will be shared on Canvas. No textbook is required.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.