everything.study
INT D 249

The Science of Joy and Happiness

3 units

Fall 2026

Topics

  • Discuss personal views about joy, happiness and the good life
  • Identify their character strengths and values and consider ways to build on their
Winter 2025

Topics

  • Discuss personal views about joy, happiness and the good life
  • Identify their character strengths and values and consider ways to build on their strengths
  • Compare their own beliefs about joy and happiness and the good life to notable theory and scientific research
  • Probe challenges related to change and consider brain tricks that impact happiness & well-being
  • Develop joy and happiness goals and implement simple strategies that impact joy, happiness, and well-being

Readings

  • Nash, J. (2015). What Is the Good Life & How to Attain It. [Web page]
    recommended
  • Limits in predicting happiness Hjeltnes, A., Binder, P.E., Multu, C., Dundas, I. (2015). Facing Group activity:
    recommended
  • Oishi, S., & Diener, E. (2014). Residents of poor nations have a greater sense of meaning in life than residents of wealthy nations. Psychological Studies, 23(2), 422-430
    recommended
Sources