In this course you will engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits. As preparation for these tasks, Professor Laurie Santos reveals misconceptions about happiness, annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change. You will ultimately be prepared to successfully incorporate a specific wellness activity into your life. THE SCIENCE OF WELL BEING WAS PRODUCED IN PART DUE TO THE GENEROUS FUNDING OF THE DAVID F. SWENSEN FUND FOR INNOVATION IN TEACHING.
Offered By
Yale University
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
12 hours to complete
Introduction
Why take this course?
4 videos (Total 14 min), 8 readings
4 videos
Become Happier by Learning & Applying Psychological Science4m
Why This Course Exists3m
What is the G.I. Joe Fallacy?4m
8 readings
Welcome Letter from Professor Santos5m
Course Requirements10m
Course Rewirements5m
Rewirement Tracking10m
Measure Your Happiness and Discover Your Strengths10m
Optional Pre-Course Surveys10m
References & Notes10m
Ways to Learn More10m
Week
22 hours to complete
Misconceptions About Happiness
What do we think will make us happy?
7 videos (Total 63 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz
7 videos
Savoring1m
Gratitude56s
Part 1 - Good Job7m
Part 2 - Money11m
Part 3 - Awesome Stuff, True Love, Perfect Body & Good Grades12m
Annoying Features of the Mind8m
Question & Answer21m
3 readings
Savoring & Gratitude10m
References & Notes10m
Ways to Learn More10m
1 practice exercise
Week 2 Quiz12m
Week
32 hours to complete
Why Our Expectations are so Bad
Why do we mispredict what makes us happy?
8 videos (Total 64 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz
8 videos
Kindness44s
Social Connection46s
Annoying Feature #14m
Annoying Feature #226m
Annoying Feature #37m
Annoying Feature #413m
Annoying Features Summary1m
Question & Answer9m
3 readings
Kindness & Social Connection10m
References & Notes10m
Ways to Learn More10m
1 practice exercise
Week 3 Quiz14m
Week
42 hours to complete
How Can We Overcome Our Biases
How we counteract our annoying features of the mind?
7 videos (Total 73 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz
7 videos
Exercise56s
Sleep56s
Part 1 - Rethink "Awesome Stuff"18m
Part 2 - Thwart Hedonic Adaptation20m
Part 3 - Reset Your Reference Points19m
Overcome Biases Summary2m
Question & Answer10m
3 readings
Exercise & Sleep10m
References & Notes10m
Ways to Learn More10m
1 practice exercise
Week 4 Quiz12m
4.9
840 Reviews37%
started a new career after completing these courses
36%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Top reviews from The Science of Well-Being
I absolutely enjoyed and learned a lot about happiness from this course. I will definitely recommend it to my peers, as it gets me to the core from my misconceptions to developing the right practices.
This is an outstanding course! I was able to change into a more positive and productive mindset as taught in this course. I highly recommend it to everyone regardless of your profession or background.
Instructor
Laurie Santos
ProfessorPsychology
About 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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