People often pursue something in the belief it will bring happiness, only to feel disappointed when they finally get it. The problem with many of the ways we try to be happy is that, although they bring some happiness, the happiness gained tends to be far less than expected. Also, that happiness does not last. Why is it that everyday tasks have become easier due to increased technology but, for many, life seems to hold less happiness? Why is it that the more we become independent from each other, the unhappier we become as a society? Why is that the more wealth and material goods we have around us, the more hollow many people’s existence becomes? Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behaviour. Positive psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. In this highly practical course we look at the insights positive psychology and other approaches can offer into how we can increase our happiness.
Course aim
People often pursue something in the belief it will bring happiness, only to feel hollow and disappointed when they finally get it. This is a highly practical course into why this is and how we can increase our happiness.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need your own personal email address so that you’re able to login to the WEA’s digital learning platform: WEA Canvas. You will need to be able to understand how to follow URL links to pages on the internet. If you want to understand more about Canvas please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- This course is for a group of around 15 students studying in a live video-learning platform conference and an online digital learning environment platform from the comfort of your own home.
- This is a live lecture delivered by a subject specialist in an online webinar video learning platform. You will need to be able to access the internet on a device with speakers or earphones. There will be opportunities to take part in discussions and chats. If you’d like to know how to use Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- An insight into positive psychology
- Learn methods which could improve personal happiness
- Learn why some ways commonly pursued to improve happiness do not work
How will I be taught?
- The WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas will be used to provide resources or to support lessons, enable assessment, provide learner feedback and for other activities for individuals away from the course. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- There will be limited opportunities for questions in class
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- You will need a personal email address to join the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas so that you can receive resources, record your progress and achievement and to work with others and share ideas. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- Nothing else is needed
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
Download full course information sheet
Positive Psychology for Happiness and Wellbeing - Taster (2)
