HAPPINESS 101: PURSUING HAPPINESS IN CHALLENGING TIMES

HAPPINESS 101: Pursuing Happiness in Challenging Times
SS 312
Format B/C

This class will explore the concept of happiness from the perspectives of ancient philosophers, indigenous cultures and contemporary psychologists and philosophers. Happiness is a complex value with cultural, religious, ethnic, social, and interpersonal dimensions. Class enrollees will discuss their own definitions of happiness. Together, we will explore the roles that the following play in the experience of happiness: age, gender, health, marriage, religion, wealth, education, ethnicity and social status. Finally, we will examine what values, thoughts, and general behaviors enhance personal happiness. The general premise is that the achievement of happiness is a combination of chance, random circumstances, and deliberate personal choices.

Presenter: Mel Roth, MSW, San Diego State University. Guest Lecturer, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of California, Irvine.

Developer: Mel Roth

Tuesdays, November 1, 8; 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM