HDFS 3210: Happiness Across the Lifespan (Offered Online)
This course was previously offered Spring 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 as HDFS 4930: Workshop: The Science and Practice of Happiness
Credits: 3 credit hours
Course Description: Interdisciplinary and relational approach to happiness and well-being at every stage of life. Application of scientifically validated strategies for learning how to live a satisfying and fulfilling life, including how to respond to stress and adapt to life challenges. Emphasis on habit change and implementation for individual and career development. Through a combination of readings, experiential learning, theoretical and practical applications, students will learn how to cultivate and enhance their own happiness and well-being, as well as contribute positively to the well-being of those around them.
Prerequisites or co-requisites: None
There is not a required textbook for this course, and there will be no formal exams. All readings will be available through Canvas.
Course Goals
The learning objectives and learning outcomes include:
1. Define subjective well-being and explore various definitions of happiness
2. Understand prominent perspectives on happiness from an interdisciplinary lens
3. Explore development across the lifespan and how that relates to well-being and happiness
4. Describe how our relationships impact our well-being and happiness across the lifespan
5. Understand the challenges of becoming happier and the barriers to well-being
6. Practice scientifically validated strategies for becoming happier including gratitude, social connections, mindfulness, and self-compassion
7. Identify key take-away messages from the science of happiness that can be leveraged in your own life for improved personal well-being
Student Feedback:
“This class was a joy to come to each week and was the bright part of my day.”
“I used to be a ‘happy’ person on the outside, but now I am also a ‘happy’ person inside and out.”
“This was the best course I have ever taken at a university.”
“I've learned that happiness is so much more than what a person can see on the outside.”
“Even ten years from now, I can see myself harnessing my strengths and aligning them with my values.”
“I finally figured out how to be who I wanted to be… and it only took me until my last semester in college.”
“This class taught me it’s okay to feel—even if they are negative feelings. That was freeing.”
“Happiness is a journey, and it is within my control to cultivate it each day.”
“I came into the class not knowing the true meaning of happiness… Now, I recommend it to all my friends.”
“Happiness isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a complex skill that must be cultivated and nourished.”
“Learning these strategies has allowed me to truly find what makes me happy and how to make the most out of every situation.”