Foundations of Positive Psychology

Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D.

Taught by: Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D.

Course Dates: September 14 - December 7, 2009
(12 Weeks)

Course Fee: $820

Nonrefundable Registration Ree: $75

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Course Syllabus
• Contact Us
• Keep Me Informed
• Group Discount Request
• Testmonials from Students

Course Description:

Renowned positive psychology scholar Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar will lead you in this new, non-credit exploration of the history and scientific underpinnings of one of psychology’s most fascinating branches, as well as its potential applications in your daily life.

Rooted in the work of Dr. Martin Seligman, world-renowned founder of positive psychology and Fox Leadership Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, this new area of psychology focuses on positive emotions, strengths-based character, and positive communication. Researchers and practitioners have found that individuals utilizing its principles can enhance work and home life by:

• Accessing strengths that act as buffers against unfavorable circumstances.
• Balancing immediate personal needs with long-term goals.
• Developing a more resilient psychological immune system based on optimism and self esteem.

Interactive Course Activities:

• View weekly broadcast-quality lectures that explore the academic research underlying this new science.
• Complete assignments to enhance your understanding.
• Formulate action steps to incorporate course concepts into your daily life.
• Network and share ideas with other course members and the instructor through tools such as a blog and discussion forum.
• Have access to live, interactive events with Dr. Ben-Shahar.

Course Details:

Each of the course's weekly units will consist of a three to four hours of video lecture that you can view at any time. The video content will be supplemented by short weekly assignments designed to encourage reflection and introspection, as well as periodic quizzes to gauge your understanding of key concepts.

You will also have the opportunity to network with your fellow students through weekly blogs and discussion forums moderated by the course instructor and facilitator. You can also build your own social networks and discussion groups. More details are available on the course syllabus and in the Frequently Asked Questions.

Engage with an expert in the field

Dr. Ben-Shahar has authored several very popular books and taught one of the most popular courses in Harvard University’s history, all on the topic of positive psychology. He consults and lectures around the world to executives in multinational corporations, the general public, and at-risk populations on topics of happiness, self-esteem, resilience, goal setting, mindfulness, and leadership. Dr. Ben-Shahar is also an avid sportsman who won the U.S. Intercollegiate and Israeli National squash championships. He obtained his PhD in Organizational Behavior and BA in Philosophy and Psychology from Harvard. For this course, you will read his latest book, Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment.

Register for the Course!

• Regular Registration
• Penn Alumni, Faculty, and Staff
• Group Discount Request form

Stay Informed

Provide your contact information so that we can send you updates on this course, upcoming non-credit online offerings on other Positive Psychology topics, as well as the upcoming Positive Psychology Online Commons Community.

Questions?

If you have questions, please visit the course's Frequently Asked Questions page or fill out our Course Detail Request form.

Haven't heard from us?

Make sure to add lps-commons@sas.upenn.edu to your e-mail address book.