Awe, Happiness, and Positive Psychology

When have you felt awe? What makes people happy? Are there clear, predictable explanations for why some people are happy and resilient in life while others are not? How might experiencing awe or being particularly happy relate performance at work or in school or more broadly to general subjective well-being and physical health? In this seminar we will explore what makes us happy and why it matters—not only to us as individuals but also to society. We will read empirical research articles, popular books, and blogs to learn how researchers measure awe, happiness, and wellbeing. 3 hrs. sem.