Department of Counselling and Psychology Course Outline
Course Title Positive Psychology
Course Code PSY209
Number of Credits 3
Duration of Weeks 15
Contact Hours Per Week 2 hours Lecture; 1 hour Tutorial
Pre-requisite Course(s) N/A
Course Aims
Traditional Psychology has been based on the psychopathological perspective. Alternatively, Positive Psychology represents a positive way of viewing human nature, personality, emotions, and behavior. This course allows students to learn about the essential concepts, theories, significance, and contemporary development of positive psychology. Various learning activities were included in this curriculum to enhance the students' learning experience; students can enhance their awareness of character strength by completing an online VIA character strength questionnaire and consolidating their learning via the reflective essay. Students will also explore how positive psychology can support their intra and interpersonal well-being through a group video presentation or talent show. Moreover, students will complete an eight-week individualised psychological well-being project and write up a report about their application and practice of positive psychology in their daily life to improve their well-being. This syllabus will also discuss the relevance, importance, and implementation of positive psychology intervention.
Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOS)

Upon completion of this course students should be able to:

1. Compare positive psychology with traditional psychology and to discuss how the two
    different branches can be complementary to each other;
 
2. Reflect on their own strengths and life values that can support their personal growth and
    build a positive lifestyle;
 
3. Formulate an individualized well-being project that applies the principles, skills, and
    strategies of positive psychology, and critically evaluate the claims of positive psychology
    in promoting well-being;
 
4. Examine the effectiveness (person-fit and context-fit) of various positive psychology
    intervention approaches and strategies learnt to cultivate and sustain optimal well-being
    and flourishing, particularly in the areas of positive psychotherapy and positive education.
 
5. Analyze the cultural fit of adopting positive psychology from Western perspectives and
    examine what Chinese values can contribute to implementing and effectively
    implementing positive psychology interventions and programs in Chinese societies.
 
Assessment
 
Assessment Tasks
Weighting
1.
Experiential Essay
15%
2.
Psychological Well-being Project
30%
3.
Video Presentation/Talent Show (in pair)
20% 
4.
Web-based Discussion & Self-reflection Exercises
20%
5. Positive Psychology TED Talk Analysis 15%
 
 
100%
For Reference Only
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