Positive Psychology (C8892)
Positive Psychology
Module C8892
Module details for 2012/13.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
Positive Psychology examines the psychology of strength and virtue, with a focus on positive subjective experience (such as happiness and optimism), positive individual traits (such as the capacity for love) and positive institutions. The positive psychology movement emerged at the beginning of this century as a deliberate attempt to counterbalance what its protagonists perceived to be a distortion in the field arising from prevailing concerns in psychology with pathology and dysfunction. The goal was to rebalance the field. In this module we will explore topics within the field of positive psychology, such as happiness, optimism, mindfulness, and love, and do so with a critical eye. The aim will be to examine the evidence for the claims made in each case. It will not be possible to present a comprehensive coverage of the area, but we will cover positive emotions, positive thinking, the positive self, positive relationships, and positive health. Our choice of topics will naturally be selective but students on the course should, through their studies, acquire an informed understanding of the principal strengths and weaknesses of this area of research.
Full Module Description
Positive Psychology examines the psychology of strength and virtue, with a focus on positive subjective experience (such as happiness and optimism), positive individual traits (such as the capacity for love) and positive institutions. The positive psychology movement emerged at the beginning of this century as a deliberate attempt to counterbalance what its protagonists perceived to be a distortion in the field arising from prevailing concerns in psychology with pathology and dysfunction. The goal was to rebalance the field. In this module we will explore topics within the field of positive psychology, such as happiness, optimism, mindfulness, and love, and do so with a critical eye. The aim will be to examine the evidence for the claims made in each case. It will not be possible to present a comprehensive coverage of the area, but we will cover positive emotions, positive thinking, the positive self, positive relationships, and positive health. Our choice of topics will naturally be selective but students on the course should, through their studies, acquire an informed understanding of the principal strengths and weaknesses of this area of research.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate an understanding of the historical background and conceptual basis of Positive Psychology.
Communicate clearly relevant Positive Psychology concepts and findings.
Adopt a critical stance when evaluating evidence for claims about Positive Psychology in general and the topics taught in particular.
Synthesise the available empirical evidence to develop and advance arguments and viewpoints relevant to the topic.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Seen Examination | Semester 2 Assessment | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 111111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Pete Harris
Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/10678
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.