THE ART AND SCIENCE OF HUMAN FLOURISHING

COUNPSY 372

An academic and experiential introduction to mindfulness meditation framed within the perspective of psychology is provided. Scientific research and modern meditation instructions that have formed the basis of a variety of secular mindfulness-based interventions are reviewed. Readings will adopt a variety of perspectives and methodologies, including conceptual/theoretical work, clinical trials, review articles including meta-analyses (i.e., aggregating findings across studies), and measurement-oriented studies. Key topics include: Buddhist and historical underpinnings of secular mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and similar interventions (e.g., lovingkindness and compassion-based meditation), and empirical literature pertaining to neuroscientific and clinical effects of mindfulness training and related interventions.

COUNPSY 237

Designed to increase knowledge, awareness, and skills of students interested in working on mental health matters within diverse identity groups and communities. Conceptualize mental health and well-being across communities in terms of (a) intersectional identities (individual and groups), (b) mental health and access and utilization of services, and (c) social determinants of health in different contexts and settings. Engage in reflective exercises to understand how their social identities influence their work in different types of communities.

INTER-HE 201

This course explores the art and science of purposeful living by integrating academic knowledge with issues real and relevant to students' lives including: identity and belonging; happiness, purpose and meaning; self-awareness and self-presentation; romantic, peer and family relationships; material culture, consumer behavior and financial well-being; and connections to community, culture, and society. From the microbes that inhabit our guts to political revolutions sparked by a tweet, human lives are embedded in an ecology of complex, interdependent systems. Using the lens of Human Ecology, you will address "big questions" like: How am I connected to others and to larger systems? What brings happiness and works for the "greater good" in human lives? An overarching goal of the course is to help you understand yourself as embedded in the web of ever-evolving interconnected networks, an "EcoYou." Human Ecology is a systems approach to studying and understanding relationships between humans and their everyday environments; it is a civic and socially conscious orientation that is committed to understanding and improving the quality of human lives. Human Ecology is inherently interdisciplinary drawing on research, theories and methods from diverse fields such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, public health, biology, and art and design.

COUNPSY 333

Examines the personality and mental health issues of Asian Americans. Special emphasis is given to how minority group status, adaptation processes, and bicultural development influence various aspects of psychological functioning. Specific topics include stereotypes and racism, acculturation and enculturation, cultural values/behavioral norms, family roles, ethnic identity development, communication styles, gender and interracial relationships, academic and career achievement, stressors and social support systems within Asian communities, psychopathology, and culturally competent mental health treatment and service delivery.

RP&SE 310

Introduction to positive psychology, or the science of human strengths, mental health, and well-being. Covers theory and current research on positive psychology including concepts of optimism, flow, gratitude, and purpose in life. Positive psychology concepts are discussed within the context of health promotion, with an emphasis on minimizing the impact of illness and disability. Learn to apply positive psychology concepts in personal and professional contexts to cultivate fulfilling, healthy, and meaningful lives.