Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Positive Psychology
Teaching staff
By appointment: mtaxonera@uic.es
Introduction
Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the optimum functioning of people and organizations. It’s based in a perspective of Psychology that focuses in helping the human beings develop themselves fully and for them to be able to lead a happy life, characterized by a high level of physical, psychological and social well-being. Because of this, professionals in environments such as health, education, work, organizations and personal development are now applying the results of the investigation.
Positive Psychology provides us with methodologies, tools and strategies to live with joy, hope and enthusiasm in our professional and private lives.
Pre-course requirements
No requirements needed.
Objectives
- To get to know what is the Positive Psychology and its scope of action.
- To provide students with the theoretical basis of Positive Psychology.
- To work with the students the principle ideas and proposals that the researchers put forward in the scope of Positive Psychology in order to live with more joy and enthusiasm.
- To improve the assistants’ habits to manage their own thoughts and emotions so that they know and can choose, in each moment, their best attitude in life to confront circumstances and situations that occur each day.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- 52 - To develop interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
- 55 - To adopt good time management skills.
Syllabus
Introduction to Positive Psychology
- Origins and history of Positive Psychology
- Conceptual framework and theoretical bases of Positive Psychology
- Main references and researchers
Psychological well being and happiness
- Historical treatment, proposals and main approaches towards the happiness concept.
2. Self-knowledge: personal strengths and weaknesses.
3. Positive emotions and habits in order to develop happiness:
- Sense
- Integrity
- Empathy and compassion
- Joy
- Kindness
- Optimism
- Hope
- Assertiveness
- To be proactive
- Excellence
Psychological well being inside the company
- Social responsibility of the company: management of people
- Affective leadership
- Positive leadership abilities
- Emotionally intelligent organizations
Positive Psychology and Mindfulness
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Practical methods
- Abilities to overcome stress
Positive Psychology and Coaching
- What is coaching
- Fields of action and methodologies
- 3. Personal and executive coaching
Teaching and learning activities
In person
- Presentations of the professor
- Presentations of the students
- Debate
- Presentations of external guests specialized in different areas of Positive Psychology
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
- 60% group work
- 40% participation in class
Students who do not carry out the group work will go to the second call doing a compensatory work decided by the teacher.
Students who have not attended a minimum of 70% in class will go to second call doing a compensatory work decided by the teacher.
Bibliography and resources
- Stephen Covey
- Martín Seligman
- Sonia Lyubomirsky
- Barbara Fredickson
- Rojas Marcos