Introduction to Positive Psychology

Master of Art in Positive Psychology

PSY 505

Breyer State University
Professor: Thomas Schear, Ph.D.

SYLLABUS

COURSE OVERVIEW: Welcome to Introduction to Positive Psychology, a Masters Level course in the curriculum for the Degree, Masters of Positive Psychology.  I am pleased to instruct you in this course, which will be a vital course for the remainder of your studies in the master program.

This course introduces the student to the theories, concepts and practice of positive psychology.  Given that most of psychology seems to study the abnormal and the pathological aspects of human behavior this course this masters program describes how psychological health can be promoted, encouraged and emphasized in ones practice.

I know that as you take the time to learn as much as you can about this topic it will serve you well as you contemplate providing counseling services to future clients.

TIME FRAME: This is a six-semester hour course and is allotted 10 weeks of time. The first day of the week will begin the day that you register for the course, or the day you should notify me that your textbook has arrived and you are ready to begin your studies. Please be cognizant of the time frame. It is rare that extensions of time are permitted, unless you have good justification. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded six semester hours or credit.

TEXTBOOK: There one textbooks required for this course.

Book 1: Positive Psychology In Practice. P. Alex Linley & Stephen Joseph (ed.) Hoboken, NJ. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2004. ISBN # 0471459062.

The text may be found at your local bookstore. Your local bookstore will most often special order your them as a special order for you. Or, you may purchase them online from:

	» Click Here to Enter
» Additional Student Resources at StudyTactics

EXAMINATIONS: There are three examinations for this course.  The first exam covers Parts 1 through 5 in the text.  The second exam covers Parts 6 through 9 in the text.  The last exam covers Parts 10 through 13 in the text.

The first exam must be taken by the end of the 4th week of the course.
The second exam must be taken by the end of the 7th week of the course.
The last exam must be taken by the end of the 10th week of the course.

All of the exams are programmed and are located in the classroom for this course.  I will setup the program so you will have access to the test when you are ready.  Please contact me prior to the time you take the first test so I can give you specific instructions and ensure that the test is ready for you.

GRADING: The grading scale for this course is as follows:

91-100%    = A
81-90%      = B
71-80%      = C
Below 70% = Failed

COMMUNICATION & WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: You are encouraged to communicate with me. I am available as a teacher, coach and mentor to assist you in meeting your goals for this course. Primarily, communication is through e-mail. However I am also available for conversation by telephone if you would like. Our classroom for this course has a "chat" room. I am also very willing to meet with you one-on-one in that chat realm at your request. From time to time, depending on how many students are enrolled in this course at a particular time, we will have some schedule group chats. You'll receive more detailed information at the time such chat sessions are scheduled. Please keep my e-mail address handy so that you can contact me whenever necessary. If at any time during this course you change your e-mail address or other contact information please be sure to notify me right away.

While there are no written assignments for this course you can feel free to contact me about any questions you may have about what you are reading.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: My name is Tom Schear. I have a BA, MA and Ph.D. in social work, MA in counseling, and have taken some additional graduate level courses in business and human services administration. Finally, I am an E-Myth trained business coach and a graduate of Coach University . I have worked at all levels of counseling agencies in Iowa and Montana , including front-line counselor, clinical director and executive director. I now live in the town where I grew up, working out of my home providing continuing education courses for helping professionals, teaching online courses for virtual universities including Breyer State University, Canyon College and EarthNet Institute, and provide both online and telephone-based counseling and personal and business coaching services. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, hunting and spending time with my wife, Kathy and adult children, Brian and Steven and dog, Solo.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

1). Learn the history and perspectives of Positive Psychology.
2). Learn about the attitudes, choices and values of a Positive Psychology lifestyle.
3). Learn how Positive Psychology applies in the workplace.
4). Understand how to apply the principles of Positive Psychology to the practice of psychology and consultation.
5). Understand how Positive Psychology can develop and be promoted over one's lifetime.
6). Understand how the principles of Positive Psychology can be applied to the greater community and to public policy and governance.

ASSIGNMENTS: For specific assignments, please click on the link "Assignments"

INFORMATION: If you have any questions regarding this program, you may contact the instructor at tschear@ccmsinc.net.

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