Unit rationale, description and aim
Psychology as a discipline has many areas of study. Positive psychology explores the scientific study of happiness, well-being and flourishing in the human experience. It examines a range of areas such as positive emotions, engagement, creativity, optimism, gratification, strengths, virtues, and meaning. This unit is experiential and project-based, where students will learn topics and theories that help people flourish and live their lives to their full potential. In this unit students will also evaluate research literature; participate in positive psychological interventions; and develop professionally relevant skills and experience in the positive psychology field. The aim of the unit is to provide students with an understanding of how the scope of psychology has recently been broadened beyond the traditional response to pathology, to a modern preventative and proactive approach to well-being.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe and differentiate key conceptual framewor...
Learning Outcome 01
Distinguish between problem-focused and strengths-...
Learning Outcome 02
Apply a strengths-based approach to specific menta...
Learning Outcome 03
Apply a variety of positive psychology interventio...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- introduction to positive psychology;
- psychology flow;
- spirituality and well-being;
- positive emotions;
- emotional intelligence;
- optimism and hope;
- resilience;
- positive psychology theories and interventions;
- prevention and enhancement;
- positive relationships;
- creativity; and
- future of positive psychology.
Assessment strategy and rationale
Standards-based assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to demonstrate their acquisition of knowledge, the application of that knowledge, and achievement of each learning outcome. In order to successfully complete this unit, students will need to complete and submit all Assessment Tasks.
In addition, students must obtain an aggregate mark of at least 50%. The practical report will provide an opportunity to examine a real-life situation and the application of positive psychological interventions. The essay will help develop and organise thinking about key concepts and issues in positive psychology, consolidate learning, and communicate it effectively. A final exam will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the learning and knowledge of key concepts and theories.
Overview of assessments
Practical Report Enables students to examine and...
Practical Report
Enables students to examine and apply an intervention.
30%
Essay Enables students to evaluate key concepts ...
Essay
Enables students to evaluate key concepts and issues.
40%
Final Exam Enables students to demonstrate lea...
Final Exam
Enables students to demonstrate learning and knowledge of key concepts.
30%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit will use an experiential approach to the teaching/learning process and students will be required to undertake a range of activities to explore the critical issues. The teaching and learning strategies are structured on the principles of experiential and adult learning that aim to facilitate the integration of theory and practice. Learning and teaching strategies include active learning, case studies, enquiry based learning, and project based learning, which are designed to enhance discussion and promote analysis, synthesis and evaluation of class content.