Marietta College Education Department - Educators as Leaders for 21st Century Schools

 

 

The Science of HAPPINESS

 

Summer 2007

 

Instructor: Dr. Bill Bauer, CRC

bauerm@marietta.edu

 

 

Contact Information: Erwin 204                       Office Hours: By Appt. via Email (Office hours are on my door)

                                    376-4768

Course Description: This seminar will focus on “happiness” as a “science.”  What makes people happy?  Do you hate that person who seems always happy regardless of the situation given to them?  Did you know that happy people live longer and accomplish more than “unhappy” people?  Can we teach ourselves to be happy instead of remaining trapped in a vicious cycle of stress from everyday life?  Dr. Bauer, a certified rehabilitation counselor, will lead weekly discussions surrounding case studies and course readings.  Class will require journal entries using the art of reflection, class discussion and research regarding the “science of happiness.” Class syllabus focuses around process issues such as library research, writing, test taking, oral presentations, and learning styles.

 

* Individual Meetings with Dr. Bauer must take place at least during the semester.  Dates noted on the syllabus.  Please sign up the week before for your individual consultation.

 

Happiness Sites:

http://ask.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/09/26/1917226

http://www.adoption-net.co.uk/news/2005/September/270905happiness.htm

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2005/9/27/lifefocus/12133462&sec=lifefocus

http://www.nwherald.com/CommunitySection/other/298369797585706.php

http://www.reflectivehappiness.com/?src=overture

http://www.reflectivehappiness.com/services.htm#sbp

http://www.happiness.com/happiness_tip.htm

http://www.thewaytohappiness.org/

http://www.authentichappiness.org/

http://www.health-happiness.com/

http://www.thehappyguy.com/

http://www.mindpub.com/art457.htm

http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA?WileyTitle/productCd-o471243779.html

http://www.drkenner.com/what_is_happiness.htm

http://pespmc1.vub.ac.be?HAPPINES.html

http://www.happiness.co.uk/Default2.asp

http://www1.eur.nl/fsw/happiness/

http://www.coachingtohappiness.com/

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/magazine/story/0,11913,1183928,00.html

http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/node/8669

http://www.time.com/time/archive/preview/0,10987,1015917,00.html

http://www.drkathleen.net/Resources/ArticlesDetail.aspx?PageId=142

http://www.youareincontrol.info/

http://www.usatoday.com/news/heatlth/2002-12-08-happy-main_x.htm

http://www.iranian.com/ArashEmamzadeh/2003/June/Happy/

http://www.whyprophets.com/prophets/goodlife.htm

http://www.gethappy.net/v105.htm

http://www.doe.state.la.us/slrc/proj_meta/vol4/vol4_6AB.pdf#search=what%20is%20it%20that%20makes%20happy%20people%20happy?

 

Required Texts/Readings:

Baker, Dan (2004). What Happy People Know.

Buscaglia, Leo F. (1983). Living, Loving and Learning

Gilbert, Daniel (2005). Stumbling on Happiness

 

 

 

 

 

 

Course Objectives

Students will:

Will begin to develop skills in reading and reflection.

Will begin to develop skills in expository writing.

Will develop skills in library and campus-wide research.

Will develop skills in discussion.

Will develop skills in oral presentations.

Will develop an appreciation to the liberal arts perspective

Will keep a journal of critical reflections and readings.

 

 

Critically Reflecting

Students are asked to think "critically" about topics discussed in class.Use the following examples of "critical thinking questions" in your written work and class discussions when discussing theoretical perspectives in this class.(King, 1994):

What is an example of…?
How could… be used to…?
What are the implications of…?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of…?
What is…analogous to?
What do we already know about…How does… affect…?
How does…tie in with what we learned before?
Explain why…
Explain how…
Why is…important?
What is the difference between…and…?
How are…and…similar?
How does…apply to everyday life?
What is the counter-argument for…?
What is the best… and why?
What are some possible solutions to the problem of…?
Compare…and…with regard to…?
What do you think causes…Why?
Do you agree or disagree with this statement…? What evidence is there to support your answer?
How do you think…would see the issue of…?

Early Alert Program/Attendance

Regular and active participation is an essential (this means creating a verbal dialogue in class with the Dr. Bauer and your peers in class), unmistakably important aspect of this course. Most students who get in academic trouble their first semester have attendance issues. Because academic success is directly linked to establishing a pattern of attendance early in your academic career, attendance is required in this class. Several short quizzes/writing assignments are due early in the semester to provide early evidence of any difficulty you may be likely to have in your academic career. Attendance in all of Dr. Bauer’s classes is mandatory. Attendance/Particiaption will be graded with 7.5 points per session equaling a total of 150 points.  Participation is creating a verbal dialogue with the class and or instructor.

Copyright Policy

Please remember if you willfully disregard copyright law, you accept responsibility and assume all liability for your actions.
 

Co-curricular Probation

"A student on academic probation may enroll in no more than 14 credit hours each semester. The following co-curricular restrictions will apply to a student on academic probation:

a) They are ineligible to participate in any college athletic team or club sport;
b) They may not hold office in any campus organization or social fraternity or sorority.
c) They may not travel off campus to a meeting or trip with any college organization or club unless required to do so for an academic program.
d) They may not represent the college in any on campus or off campus public events or other co-curricular activities (e.g. plays, musical performances, student newspaper) unless required to do so for an academic course.
e) They may not register for courses that require co-curricular participation unless required by their major.

The restrictions continue in force until the student has returned to "good academic standing", with the exception that when a student on academic probation earns a semester grade point average of 2.0, or better, co-curricular restrictions will be removed for the following semester." 

 

Technology Components: Students will be asked to give a Power Point Presentation to the class on a topic related to the class objectives.  Student will research using the World Wide Web

 

 

Diversity/Multiculturalism:  Dr. Bauer will:

1.   Remind students that contributions to the classroom should be made from people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

  1. Make a special effort to emphasize and promote diversity and multiculturalism.
  2. Provide an atmosphere where all students are comfortable to express their thoughts and beliefs.
  3. Use a variety of teaching styles (modes) to address a diverse classroom.
  4. Encourage teams or groups within the classroom that foster mutual respect and cooperation.
  5. Offer a chance for students to meet with me after class to discuss issues or assignments they may not have understood.

Special Needs/Accommodation Policy:  

Students who believe that they may need accommodations due to a documented disability should contact the Academic Resource Center (Andrews Hall, Third floor, 376-4700) and the instructor as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely manner. You must meet with the ARC staff to verify your eligibility for any accommodation and for academic assistance

 

 

 

Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism:

 "Academic dishonesty within the academic community is a very serious matter, because dishonesty destroys the basic trust necessary for a healthy education environment. Academic dishonesty is any treatment or representation of work as if one were fully responsible for it, when it is in fact the work of another person. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, theft, or improper manipulation of laboratory or research data or theft of services. A substantiated case of academic dishonesty may result in disciplinary action, including a failing grade on the project, a failing grade in the course, or expulsion from the College"

 

 

 

Grading:

The grades in this class are based on percentages. In this way, students will know how close they are to moving up a grade or slipping down a grade. Percentage points are absolute and non-negotiable.

 

97% - 100% A+         83% - 86% B             70% - 72% C-

93% - 96% A           80% - 82% B-             67% - 69% D+

90% - 92% A-          77% - 79% C+            63% - 66% D

87% - 89% B+         73% - 76% C              60% - 62% D-

                                                                        Below 60% F

Any assignment handed in late will not be accepted and will result in a grade of (0) for that grade.  Any group assignment late will cause all members of the group to receive a (0) for a grade as well on any assignment.

 

 

 

 

Assessment Outcomes:

 

Course Objectives

 

Assessment

 

Attendance/Participation (150 points) 7.5 points per class including individual consultation meetings

Active participation and attendance (Class chart)

Student will reflect on Classroom dialogue and Readings with a One page summary (typed) APA style.

Reflective Journal

4 x 50 points (200 total)

Final- Group Research Presentation on Happiness- Will research the Topic of Happiness and perform a Power point Presentation at the End of the Semester. Survey and Review of Literature.

200 points

Web Analysis (List of Happiness Websites)

50 points

Letter to My Self (At the end of the semester, student will write a letter to themselves reminding them of the topics we discussed during this class they plan to do).

50 points

Letter to Other (At the end of the semester, student will write a letter to friend or family member regarding topics learned in this class and let them know how you feel about them.

50 points

Personal Happiness Plan (Plan of Happiness, What you plan to do on a personal daily, monthly, yearly basis to complete your journey to happiness.

50 points

Quizzes (Pop Quizzes Given Throughout the Semester)

25 points a piece

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class Schedule:

 

Date

           Topic to be Addressed          

         Readings         

       Assignments Due

8/23

Introductions and Classroom Assignments

 

 

8/25

Creating Class Cohesiveness-Research Survey

 

Pen Making

8/30

The Dance of Love and Fear

3-34, Baker

  Click here for the Power Point of the day!

9/1

The Money Trap

35-59, Baker

 Special Guest: Colt Wynn

9/6

Treading the Minefield

60-78, Baker

 Powerpoint

9/8

 Individual Appointments

 

Reflection Due

9/13

The Antidote to Fear

79-111, Baker

 Powerpoint

9/15

Hearing the Voice of the Heart

112-142, Baker

 Special Guest:Mike Joliat

Powerpoint

9/20

Power over Feelings, Power over Fate

142-177, Baker

 Power Point

9/22

The Awful Grace of God

178-222, Baker

 Guest Speaker: David Raber

Power Point

9/27

The Good Life

223-259, Baker

 Power Point of Contructive and Destructive Language

9/29

Individual Appointments.

 

Reflection Due

Website analysis due

10/4

Group work for presentation

 

10/6

FYSE - Social Event

 

 Pizza and Bowling at Pastime Lanes

10/11

No Class – Four Day Break

 

 

10/13

Guest Speaker-Dan Brannon "Life of Happiness" 

Guest Speaker: Dan Brannon

10/18

Final Review and Discussion of Happiness Book

 

 

 Small Group Activity

Power Point

10/20

Love as a Behavior Modifier

On Becoming You

That's Where the Light Is

1-38, Buscagilia

39-62, Buscaglia

63-84,Buscaglia

 

10/25

Individual Appointments

 

Reflection Due

10/27

What is Essential is Invisible to the Eye

Bridges Not Barriers

 

85-110, Buscaglia

111-126 Buscagia

 

 

 

11/1

The Art of Being Fully Human

Tomorrow’s Children

127-140, Buscaglia

141-154,

Buscaglia

 

11/3

The Intimate You and Choose Life

155-184,

Buscaglia

 Special Guest: Elizabeth Sammons

 

 

 

 

11/8

Teach Life

185-202, Buscaglia

 

11/10

Speaking of Love

203-222, Buscaglia

 

11/10

The Paraphernalia of Anti-Self: The Self-Defeating You.

243-264, Buscaglia

Final Reflection Due

 

11/15

No Class Freshman Registration

 

 

11/17

No Class Freshman Registration

 

 

11/22

Group Preparation for Presentation

 

Last time to meet during class

11/24

Thanksgiving Break

 

 

11/29

Research on Happiness

 

Power Point Group1-2

Presentation

12/1

Research on Happiness

 

Power point Group3- 4

Personal Happiness Plan Due

12/5-12/9

Final Exam

 

Pizza Party at Place to be Determined.

Letter to Myself Due

Letter to Other Due