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Aug 02, 2025
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SSC 1918 - HAPPINESS: EAST MEETS WEST
credits: 6.0
Will provide students with understandings of happiness and of achieving happiness based on the political cultural studies of Eastern societies, Western research, and contemplative approaches of meditation. While scholars attempt to understand happiness through investigating the relationship between the human mind-brain connection and behavior, individuals in various cultural contexts have experimented with different approaches to achieve happiness. Such approaches include Eastern wisdom and experiential learning via such methods as meditation. Will also provide an opportunity for students to experience both approaches and personally examine the validity of each method so that they can make their own decision as to what works best for them. Objectives: A) Compare and contrast Eastern and Western political cultures in relation to happiness; B) Describe scientific research in psychology on achieving and maintaining a happier state of mind; C) Describe contemplative approaches (e.g. meditation and Tai Chi) that individuals can take to reach a happier state of mind; D) Analyze case studies (Dalai Lama and Nan Huai-Chin) through frameworks from political cultural studies and scientific research; E) Apply analytical and critical thinking skills through reading, discussion, writing, and a research project. Method of Instruction: Discussion, demonstrations of meditation (maximum two hours per week), group activities, presentations, field trips, and individual outside assignments. Method of Evaluation: Class participation 15%, Journal reflections and responses 25%, Two exams based on readings and discussion 30%, Final research project or paper 30% (Presentation, 15%; Paper, 15%). Meets *NWP Distribution Requirement.
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