everything.study
RELIG ST 173

CONSUMING HAPPINESS

3 credits.

Explores the study of happiness and well-being, examining how consumption, money, and the experience economy intersect with the pursuit of a fulfilling life. Covers topics such as positive psychology, prosocial spending, and the psychology of persuasion, drawing on both academic research and popular media. Incorporates visual media and provides opportunities to assess the effectiveness of these concepts in real-life contexts.

Prerequisites & course information

Requisites: None Course Designation: Core GenEd - Natural Science & Wellness + Lab Level - Elementary L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Fall 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Differentiate between hedonic and eudaimonic happiness, prosocial spending and pure materialism and the pros and cons of the intersection of faith and happiness Audience: Undergraduate 2. Theorize via thought-provoking discussions about the quest to “buy happiness” in modern America Audience: Undergraduate 3. Contrast advice literature with positive and social psychology research Audience: Undergraduate 4. Evaluate through the research whether one can ‘get happier’ through consumer culture Audience: Undergraduate 5. Critique diverse materials including popular and academic readings Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Differentiate between hedonic and eudaimonic happiness, prosocial spending and pure materialism and the pros and cons of the intersection of faith and happiness Audience: Undergraduate 2. Theorize via thought-provoking discussions about the quest to “buy happiness” in modern America Audience: Undergraduate 3. Contrast advice literature with positive and social psychology research Audience: Undergraduate 4. Evaluate through the research whether one can ‘get happier’ through consumer culture Audience: Undergraduate 5. Critique diverse materials including popular and academic readings Audience: Undergraduate

Sources
Catalogue variants