About this course: “The Science of Well-Being” taught by Professor Laurie Santos overviews what psychological science says about happiness. The purpose of the course is to not only learn what psychological research says about what makes us happy but also to put those strategies into practice. The first part of the course reveals misconceptions we have about happiness and the annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do. The next part of the course focuses on activities that have been proven to increase happiness along with strategies to build better habits. The last part of the course gives learners time, tips, and social support to work on the final assignment which asks learners to apply one wellness activity aka "Rewirement" into their lives for four weeks.
Created by: Yale University
Taught by: Laurie Santos, Professor
Psychology
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Introduction
Why take this course?
3 videos, 8 readings
- Reading: Welcome Letter
- Reading: Course Requirements
- Reading: Course Rewirements
- Reading: Rewirement Tracking
- Reading: Pre-Course Survey
- Reading: Measure Your Happiness and Discover Your Strengths
- Video: Overview
- Video: Introduction & Background
- Reading: References & Notes
- Reading: Ways to Learn More
WEEK 2
Misconceptions About Happiness
What do we think will make us happy?
8 videos, 3 readings
- Reading: Savoring & Gratitude
- Video: Gratitude
- Video: G.I. Joe Fallacy
- Video: Part 1 - Good Job
- Video: Part 2 - Money
- Video: Part 3 - Awesome Stuff, True Love, Perfect Body & Good Grades
- Video: Annoying Features of the Mind
- Video: Question & Answer
- Reading: References & Notes
- Reading: Ways to Learn More
Graded: Week 2 Quiz
WEEK 3
Why Our Expectations are so Bad
Why do we mispredict what makes us happy?
8 videos, 3 readings
- Reading: Kindness & Social Connection
- Video: Social Connection
- Video: Annoying Feature #1
- Video: Annoying Feature #2
- Video: Annoying Feature #3
- Video: Annoying Feature #4
- Video: Annoying Features Summary
- Video: Question & Answer
- Reading: References & Notes
- Reading: Ways to Learn More
Graded: Week 3 Quiz
WEEK 4
How Can We Overcome Our Biases
How we counteract our annoying features of the mind?
7 videos, 3 readings
- Reading: Exercise & Sleep
- Video: Sleep
- Video: Part 1 - Rethink "Awesome Stuff"
- Video: Part 2 - Thwart Hedonic Adaptation
- Video: Part 3 - Reset Your Reference Points
- Video: Overcome Biases Summary
- Video: Question & Answer
- Reading: References & Notes
- Reading: Ways to Learn More
Graded: Week 4 Quiz
WEEK 5
Stuff that Really Makes Us Happy
What can we do to improve our happiness?
11 videos, 3 readings
- Reading: Meditation & Gratitude Visit
- Video: Good Job
- Video: Good Grades
- Video: Kindness
- Video: Interview with Elizabeth Dunn
- Video: Social Connection
- Video: Interview with Nicholas Epley
- Video: Time Affluence
- Video: Mind Control
- Video: Healthy Practices
- Video: Question & Answer
- Reading: References & Notes
- Reading: Ways to Learn More
Graded: Week 5 Quiz
WEEK 6
Putting Strategies into Practice
How can we intentionally put these strategies into practice and build healthier habits?
5 videos, 3 readings
- Reading: Mystery Rewirement
- Video: Part 2 - Goal Setting
- Video: Interview with Gabriele Oettingen
- Video: Question & Answer
- Video: Recap
- Reading: References & Notes
- Reading: Ways to Learn More
Graded: Week 6 Quiz
WEEK 7
Start Your Final Rewirement Challenge
What rewirement will you commit to for the next 4 weeks?
1 video, 3 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Final Rewirement Challenge
- Reading: Pro Tip
- Reading: Handout
- Discussion Prompt: Define Well-Being
- Practice Quiz: End of Week 1 Quiz
WEEK 8
Continue Your Rewirement Challenge
How can you rely on others to help you change your behaviors?
1 video, 2 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Pro Tip
- Reading: Handout
- Discussion Prompt: Ask for Help
- Practice Quiz: End of Week 2 Quiz
WEEK 9
Continue Your Rewirement Challenge
How can you design your environment to help you change your behaviors?
1 video, 2 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Pro Tip
- Reading: Handout
- Discussion Prompt: Share Your Victories
- Practice Quiz: End of Week 3 Quiz
WEEK 10
Submit Your Final Assignment
What mindset can you have to appreciate your progress so far and continue your progress beyond the course?
4 videos, 4 readings
- Reading: Pro Tip
- Reading: Handout
- Video: Congratulations on Completing Your Challenge!
- Video: Students Discuss Their Rewirement Challenges
- Reading: Measure Your Happiness
- Discussion Prompt: Make a pledge
- Reading: Post-Course Survey
- Video: Conclusion
Graded: Reflect on the Rewirement Challenge
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
Yale University
For more than 300 years, Yale University has inspired the minds that inspire the world. Based in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale brings people and ideas together for positive impact around the globe. A research university that focuses on students and encourages learning as an essential way of life, Yale is a place for connection, creativity, and innovation among cultures and across disciplines.
Ratings and Reviews
I enjoyed this class. Interesting subject matter presented in a compelling, thought provoking way. Definitely will have many takeaways from this class.
Great Course, thoughtfully organized with learning in mind. Provides practically tools for using and sharing in daily life.
Laurie Santos was a great instructor and the course material was very helpful!
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Tomar este curso fue una experiencia maravillosa. Poner en práctica hábitos que están científicamente probados para aumentar el bienestar o la felicidad suena como algo suena como algo fácil pero no lo es, necesitamos hacer un esfuerzo para estar bien y es excelente tener las herramientas necesarias para hacer que ese esfuerzo sea efectivo. ¡Me encantó The Science of Well-Beign!