Prerequisite(s): PSYC 101, WRIT 105, HONP 100, or GNED 199; students in the SEEDS program can take ENGL 110, ENGL 111, ENGL 114, HUMN 151, HUMN 160, HUMN 288, PHIL 106, or SPAN 242 in place of WRIT 105. Positive psychology encompasses the study of human thriving (e.g., contentment, flow, mindfulness, awe), virtues and potentials (e.g., compassion, resilience, character strengths, interests, meaning), and the institutions and practices facilitating human well-being. This course reviews the history of positive psychology and contributions this field has made to traditional and novel research areas in psychology. Topics of controversy (e.g., what is happiness, how should we measure it, what determines it, can and should we deliberately increase it) will be critically examined, with consideration given to conflicting viewpoints and their respective empirical support. This course will also teach a set of scientifically validated strategies for living a more satisfying life. Throughout the course, we will explore what psychological science teaches us about how to be happier, grow from adversity, and flourish. You will put these scientific findings into practice by building the sorts of habits that allow people to lead more fulfilling lives which can be extended to improve schools, workplaces, and communities.