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Introduction to Positive Psychology (PSYC90093)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
February
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | February |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces the science of positive psychology. Key concepts of positive psychology and well-being will be introduced. The theories will include hope theory, strengths theory self-determination theory, well-being theory, and broaden and build theory. Key concepts covered include optimism, gratitude, strengths, flow, meaning in life and well-being itself. Important research evidence from studies related to well-being and what impacts on well-being will be explored. Key ways to measure well-being and positive psychology constructs will be introduced. Using experiential learning cycles, students will be supported to make sense of this theory and evidence in using their work contexts and personal lives as opportunities for learning.
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of this subject, students should be able to;
- Apply contemporary scientific theories of positive psychology to understand issues of well-being in applied settings.
- Reflect on current trends in positive psychology research.
- Describe and critique key positive psychological constructs and their measurement.
- Conceptualise personal and work related experiences using positive psychological concepts.
Generic skills
Graduates should develop the following generic skills:
- Problem-solving skills, including engaging with, researching and identifying strategies to solve unfamiliar problems and bring about change.
- Analytical skills and the ability to construct and express logical arguments.
- To learn to critically investigate, modify and adapt new ideas and approaches.
- Plan effective work schedules and meet deadlines.
- Verbal and written communication skills.
- Change management skills.
- Use of evidence and data.
Last updated: 10 February 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted in Professional Certificate in Positive Psychology. This subject is not available for students admitted in any other courses.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 10 February 2024
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Theory essay
| Two weeks after the first workshop day | 25% |
Reflective journal - personal and work (formal academic writing 1,500 words plus 1,500 words reflective journaling)
| One week prior to final workshop day | 50% |
Research evidence verbal presentation (15 minutes) and report (1000 words). Presentation on final workshop day, and written report due one week after the final workshop day. | One week after the final workshop day | 25% |
Last updated: 10 February 2024
Dates & times
- February
Coordinator Lara Mossman Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 hours (3 x 8 hour workshop days) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 February 2020 to 27 March 2020 Last self-enrol date 4 March 2020 Census date 6 March 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 27 March 2020 Assessment period ends 6 April 2020 February contact information
Phone: + 61 3 8344 0149Monday to Friday 8am to 9pm. Weekends and University of Melbourne observed Public Holidays 10am to 5pm.
Time commitment details
170 hours per 12.5 credit point subject
Last updated: 10 February 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Boniwell, I. (2008). Positive Psychology in a Nutshell, PWBC Publishing.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Professional Certificate in Positive Psychology - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 10 February 2024