Undergraduate - UnitPSY3250 - Positive psychology

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2013 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

To find units available for enrolment in the current year, you must make sure you use the indexes and browse unit tool in the current edition of the Handbook.

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit	School of Psychology and Psychiatry
Offered	Not offered in 2013
Coordinator(s)	Dr Dianne Vella-Brodrick

Synopsis

Positive psychology focuses on promoting optimal human functioning. Theoretical perspectives will be examined to demonstrate the impact of positive conditions in achieving desirable outcomes. Information concerning the latest evidence-based interventions about what makes people happy and how happiness is defined and measured will be presented. The relevance of positive psychology in a range of contexts and across the life span will be explored. Numerous and varied learning approaches such as debates, case studies, role plays, watching videos, keeping journals and research activities will be undertaken. This unit will be based on evidence-based knowledge and practice and will also involve an experiential component to facilitate learning.

Outcomes

describe various theories underpinning positive psychology;
demonstrate familiarity with positive psychology measures;
critically analyse current research in positive psychology;
practice various positive psychology interventions through assigned exercises;
discuss current issues in positive psychology;

Assessment

Written report 2,000-2,500 words: 40%
Group presentation: 20%
Examination: 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Dianne Vella-Brodrick

Contact hours

One 3-hour lecture/workshop per week, plus 4-5 hours prescribed reading per week and 4 hours of private study (e.g. completion of journal, experiential exercises, preparation of essay and group presentation).

Prerequisites

Completion of first year in any degree (48 points) at Monash University.

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/psych/course/ugrad/major-minor.html