Adv Sem: Happiness and Society

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

What does the social context have to do with happiness? This course looks at the relationship between individual satisfaction and social justice, equality, and other aspects of the collective good. We will read thinkers and researchers who have interesting ideas on money and capitalism, culture and habits, technology, the social self, social situations, race and ethnicity, institutions, gender, age, and finally, meditation, spirituality, and religion. We will compare classic and current sociological approaches which focus mainly on social problems (Harriet Martineau, Karl Marx, W.E.B. Du Bois, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, Arlie Hochschild) to current research in psychology that studies factors leading to individual happiness. We’ll then have a chance to put these ideas into practice by developing a project that considers social contexts that allow people to live happier and more fulfilling lives. The course ends with a final project of your choice (video, grant proposal, wellness seminar, or mini research project) to expand on your ideas. First years and all majors are welcome; this course is interactive and asks for student engagement but does not require any particular type of coursework.