Psychology of Well-being: Happiness and Motivation

Are you curious about what helps humans thrive and flourish? Or how we understand well-being through scientific study? This course explores the science behind happiness, resilience, motivation, learning, and human flourishing through the lenses of psychology, neuroscience, sociology, an behavioral science. Through discussions of current research, reflective journaling, and experiential activities, students will examine topics such as gratitude, purpose, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, optimism, relationships, resilience, and self-regulation. Students will investigate common myths about happiness, evaluate scientific evidence, and consider how both personal habits and social environments influence well-being. They will also explore the psychological principles that shape learning and motivation, including personal and environmental influences, psychological drivers of behavior, and foundational theories of learning and human development. As students move between research and reflection, they will learn to think critically about claims related to mental health, happiness, learning, and motivation. Students will examine why evidence-based practices may benefit some individuals more than others, explore the roles of culture and circumstance in well-being, and consider how personal experience can inform understanding while recognizing its limitations. By the end of the course, students will develop a deeper understanding of the scientific factors that influence learning, motivation, well-being, and human flourishing. They will strengthen their skills in critical thinking, self-awareness, communication, and evidence-based decision-making while gaining insight into how individuals learn, stay motivated, build resilience, and thrive.

 

No prior coursework or experience in psychology are recommended. Please note that this course is intended for educational purposes only and does not provide mental health treatment, counseling, diagnosis, or therapeutic services.

 

Students should be prepared to engage in discussions, reflective activities, reading, and critical analysis of scientific research. An openness to exploring different perspectives and participating thoughtfully in class activities is encouraged. Please note that this course is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide mental health treatment, counseling, or support for self-diagnosis. 

 

All students will need a laptop, tablet, or similar device to use for coursework in this class. We ask students to bring their own device or request to use one of the program's devices.  

 

Each ALP course provides approximately 68 instructional hours, comparable to one-half high school credit. Students interested in receiving credit should check with their school before enrolling, as credit decisions are made solely by the student's school or district. At the end of the program, students receive a grade report with the course description, overall grade, and instructor comments that may be shared with their school when considering credit.