Positive Psychology
Overview
This unit will provide students with an in-depth view of the field of Positive Psychology, and contribute to students understanding of human flourishing and wellbeing. This unit examines how the scope of psychology has broadened beyond the identification of pathology and treating or preventing disorder, and gives students the opportunity to develop professionally relevant skills in the Positive Psychology field.
Requisites
PSY10008 Fundamentals of Psychology
PSY10005 Introduction to Research Methods
Rules
Pre-requisite
PSY10007 Brain and Behaviour
AND
PSY10008 Fundamentals of Psychology
AND
PSY10005 Introduction to Research Methods
Anti-requisite
PSY30011 Psychology of Wellbeing
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Appraise the theory, methodology and practice of positive psychology
- Analyse and evaluate important themes in positive psychology (e.g., wellbeing, character strengths, personal values, improving health)
- Examine and collegially discuss the factors that contribute to or decrease subjective wellbeing
- Design an intervention using elements of the positive psychology approach
- Critically evaluate research literature in the area of positive psychology
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 10.50 | 12 weeks | 126 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Class | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Specified Activities Various | 5.00 | 12 weeks | 60 |
| Unspecified Activities Various | 4.50 | 12 weeks | 54 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 2 | Individual | 45% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Oral Presentation | Individual | 35% | 1,2,4,5 |
| Reflective Journal | Individual | 20% | 1,2,5 |
Content
- Definition, history, and science of Positive Psychology
- Positive Psychology theory, approaches, and interventions as applied to issues such as wellbeing, motivation, emotions, and positive relationships
- Current social and cultural implications related to Positive Psychology
- Graduate Attribute 1 (Communication 1 - Verbal Communication)
- Graduate Attribute 2 (Communication 2 - Communicating using different media)
- Graduate Attribute 5 (Digital Literacies 1 - Information literacy)
- Graduate Attribute 6 (Digital Literacies 2 - Technical literacy)
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.