Description: A "purpose in life" refers to goals directed toward things that matter most in one's life. Living to a purpose greater than one's self has been viewed by philosophers as essential to health and well-being. This course examines the philosophy and science of purpose and purposeful living.
Learning Objectives: This course will improve specific understanding of:
1) The purpose in life concept and related concepts (e.g., well-being, resilience, emotional self-regulation, self-affirmation, and self-transcendence)
2) Research related to the above concepts through behavioral, epidemiological, biological, and neuroscience studies.
3) Potential uses of purpose in life and related concepts for interventions designed to improve behavioral, health and well-being outcomes.
4) Personal approaches and skills relevant to self-change using design thinking and self-regulatory strategies (e.g., mindfulness, sleep, creativity).
This course is cross-listed with TBD in the LSA department.
Description: This course provides an introduction to the behavioral and social science factors that influence health and disease, with an emphasis on relevant knowledge for helping individuals make better health-related decisions and changes in their lives. The course explores these factors from the individual to the societal level.
