TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information……………………………………………………………………………………………………2
Course Outline……………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
Course Syllabus………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4
Required Readings……………………………………………………………………………………………………..6
FAQ's………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9
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POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY & JUDAISM (PSY544)
GENERAL INFORMATION
CONTENT:
Positive psychology is a newly delineated branch of psychology. Unlike other fields of psychology,
positive psychology shifts the focus from mental illnesses and repairing damage to focusing on
cultivating an individual’s strength and constructive traits.
LECTURER:
The principal lecturer of the course is Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar who taught the most popular course at
Harvard University, Positive Psychology, as well as its third largest course, The Psychology of
Leadership, with a total of over 1,400 students.
Dr. Ben-Shahar holds a Ph.D in organizational behavior and a joint undergraduate degree in
philosophy and psychology, both from Harvard University. He was appointed Harvard's John Eliot
Scholar and spent a year conducting research on education at the University of Cambridge.
For the past six years he has been teaching personal and organizational excellence, leadership, ethics
and self esteem. He has conducted workshops for children in South Africa and the United States and
currently runs seminars for senior executives in Singapore, India, Europe, Israel and the U.S. BenShahar has been interviewed extensively in the media, including appearances on CNN Saturday, CN8
Morning, NECN Good Morning, Channel 7 News, Nite Beat and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
Ben-Shahar is the author of several books including Happier and A Clash of Values: The Struggle for
Universal Freedom. Happier is featured as one of the required texts in the Positive Psychology &
Judaism course.
COURSE:
This online course is taught by Touro College instructors. Upon completion student will receive three
credits from Touro College, an independent institution of higher and professional education with
approximately 21,000 students currently enrolled in its various schools and divisions. Touro College is
a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an institutional accrediting agency
recognized by the United States Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education
Accreditation.
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TOURO COLLEGE COURSE OUTLINE
LANDER COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT:
COURSE TITLE:
COURSE NUMBER:
PREREQUISITES:
CREDIT HOURS:
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:
Psychology
Positive Psychology and Judaism
PSY544
None
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Rabbi Dr. Moshe Bleich
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course in Positive Psychology and Judaism will examine core areas of wellbeing, including
notions of personal change, interpersonal relationships, happiness and the interdependence of mind
and body. Each unit will provide the student with studies and experimental data from the realm of
Positive Psychology, and provide a comparison to Judaism's approach to these same questions. The
sessions will also provide practical direction to incorporate these principles for positive living into daily
life.
This is an online course taught via video, audio, text and the Blackboard Technology system.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course aims to provide a foundation in key elements of the discipline of Positive Psychology and
to compare and contrast those elements through the perspective of Jewish sources.
COURSE CONTENT
Course units include: dynamics of personal change, self esteem, mindfulness, the mind-body
connection, the effects of perception and circumstance on happiness, anger management, the role of
the metaphysical, human nature and interpersonal relationships.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Students are expected to take all online units, complete required readings, participate in online
discussions and complete assignments and tests.
GRADING GUIDELINES
1. Midterm 30%
2. Final 40%
3. Participation and assignments 30%
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(WEEK 8)
(WEEK 16)
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY & JUDAISM (PSY544)
COURSE SYLLABUS
Principal Lecturer: Dr. T. Ben-Shahar
Assistant Lecturers: Dr. E. Becker, Rabbi M. Berger, Rabbi E. Feiner, Rabbi Y. Greenman, Rabbi Z.
Pliskin, Rabbi M. Zeldman
Course Outline
This course in Positive Psychology and Judaism will examine core areas of well-being, including
notions of personal change, interpersonal relationships, happiness and the interdependence of mind
and body. Each unit will provide the student with studies and experimental data from the realm of
Positive Psychology and will provide comparative sources from Judaism's approach to the same
topics. The sessions will provide practical direction that will empower students to incorporate the
principles of positive living into their daily lives.
Seminar 1: Introduction to Positive Psychology and Judaism (FILM)
With Dr. Ben-Shahar & Rabbi Zeldman
What are the goals of Positive Psychology and what distinguishes it from other fields of psychology
and the self-help movement? This unit will focus on the role of well-being in Judaism's approach to
life and the centrality of pleasure in the Jewish paradigm.
Seminar 2: Dynamics of Personal Change & Development (FILM)
With Dr. Ben-Shahar & Dr. Becker
This unit concentrates on the dynamics of personal change, including the complex relationship
between behavior, attitude and emotion. Students will consider the role of habit versus acting with
intent and will evaluate the merits of accepting rituals as established behavior patterns.
Seminar 3: Permission to be Human (FILM)
With Dr. Ben-Shahar & Rabbi Feiner
The third unit will examine the distinction between altering human drives and channeling them.
Course participants will analyze active acceptance vs. passive acquiescence as well as how to utilize
in-born traits and weaknesses.
Seminar 4: Goal Setting (MP3)
With Dr. Ben-Shahar
In this lesson, the process of goal setting and categorizing goals for maximum effect will be
examined.
Seminar 5: The Mind-Body connection (FILM)
With Dr. Ben-Shahar & Rabbi Feiner
The fifth seminar will focus on the ramifications of the Western schism between mind and body.
Correlations will be drawn between exercise, sleep, meditation, touch and well-being. The physical
and spiritual interface will be introduced.
Seminar 6: Character Traits Workshop (MP3)
With Rabbi Pliskin
In this session, the instructor will discuss practical tools for working with character traits using the
methodology of Maimonides.
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Seminar 7: Focusing on the Positive (FILM)
With Dr. Ben-Shahar & Rabbi Zeldman & Rabbi Greenman
This unit focuses on the benefits of developing gratitude, identifying the skills necessary to
appreciate the good and understanding Judaism's obligation to integrate joy into daily living.
Seminar 8: The Role of the Metaphysical (MP3)
With Rabbi Berger
Contextualizing the relationship with God within a schema of well-being is the primary focus of this
session. The Jewish approach to recognizing Gods existence will also be discussed.
Seminar 9: Self Esteem (FILM)
With Dr. Ben-Shahar & Dr. Becker & Rabbi Zeldman
This class will concentrate on the definition of self esteem based on worth and competence.
Additional aspects of the lesson include analysis of dependent and independent self-esteem and
objective standards of self-esteem and "self" in the broader context of "we".
Seminar 10: Dealing with Challenges (MP3)
With Rabbi Zeldman
How does Judaism, a system that acknowledges God as the ultimate source of providence, deal with
adversity? This lesson will consider which tools Judaism provides to help respond to challenges.
Seminar 11: Interpersonal Relationships (FILM)
With Dr. Ben-Shahar & Rabbi Zeldman
What elements contribute to a happy relationship? Unit 11 deals with the centrality of relationships
in personal happiness, the elusive nature of love and the interconnectedness of love and sexuality.
Seminar 12: Jewish Festivals – an annual cycle of wellbeing (MP3)
With Rabbi Zeldman
How does the annual cycle of Jewish festivals present a guideline to understanding positive life
lessons and achieving well-being on personal and national levels? This session will focus on the
deeper meaning of the Jewish calendar.
Seminar 13: Anger Management (MP3)
With Ms. Tzipporah Heller
This unit will concentrate on how to deal with all forms of anger that are present within all people.
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POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY & JUDAISM (PSY544)
REQUIRED READINGS*
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS:
Happier: Tal Ben Shahar (McGraw Hill:2007)
Available for purchase from Amazon.com (www.amazon.com)
Gateway to Happiness: Z. Pliskin (Bnay Yakov: 1996)
Available for purchase from Eichlers.com (www.eichlers.com)
Class 1: Introduction to Positive Psychology and Judaism
Psychology
"Positive Psychology, Positive Prevention, and Positive Therapy", M. E. P. Seligman, Handbook of
Positive Psychology C. R. Snyder and S. J. Lopez (Eds.) (Oxford University Press:2002), p.528-540.
http://psych.upenn.edu/seligman/ppsnyderchapter.htm#Top%20of%20Page
Happier, p vii-xiv; p3-8
Judaism
Way of God M. Luzatto (Feldheim:1996) 1:2:1
Bible Deuteronomy, 5:29, 6:3, 6:18, 6:24, 10:12-13; 12:28
"Judaism: A Psychologically Orientated Philosophy", E. Honig Journal of Psychology and Judaism,
(Springer:1991)Vol. 15 Number 1, p19- 28
Permission to Receive, L. Keleman (Targum Press:1996) p125-169
Class 2: Dynamics of Personal Change and Development
Psychology
"Positive Psychology Progress: Empirical Validation of Interventions", Seligman, M.
E. P., Park, N., & Peterson, C., American Psychologist: 2005 60, 410-421.
www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/images/apaarticle.pdf
Happier, p13-29
Judaism
Strive for Truth, E. Dessler, (Feldheim: 1989) Vol. 2, p. 49-63
Sefer HaChinuch, (Feldheim:1978) Mitzvah 16, p. 119-121
Judaism and Psychology, A. Amsel, (Feldheim: 1969/1982) p29-33; 38-43
Rational Irrational Man, A. Amsel, (Feldheim:1976) p49-54
Class 3: Permission to be Human
Psychology
Excerpts from T. Ben Shahar’s manuscript The Permission to be Human
http://talbenshahar.com/images/stories/Word/article5.doc
"The Perfect Trap", M. R Basco,. Psychology Today (1999)
http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=pto-19990501-000032&print=1
*Readings
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subject to change
Judaism
Judaism and Psychology Meeting Points, A. Rabinowitz (Aronson: 1999) p19-39, p97-116
"To be Good or To Be Evil: Which is more Natural?" R. Bulka, Journal of Psychology and Judaism
(Springer: 1990) Vol. 14(2) Summer p59-71
To Heal a Fractured World J. Sacks, (Contiuum: 2005) p238-249
Class 4: Goal Setting
Psychology
Happier, p31-80
Class 5: The Mind - Body Connection
Psychology
"Exercise: A Neglected Intervention in Mental Health Care?" P. Callaghan, Journal of Psychiatric and
Mental Health Nursing, (2004). 11, 476-483.
http://talbenshahar.com/images/stories/PDF/article4.pdf
Judaism
Horeb S.R. Hirsch, (Soncino:1962) Part IV, Chapter 62, paragraphs 428, 429, (page 300-302)
Guide for the Perplexed, M. Maimonides, trans. M. Friedlander (Dover Publications Inc: 1971) 3:27
"Shabbat as Therapy: Psychosynthesis and Shabbat Ritual", J. Ziff, Journal of Judaism and
Psychology (Springer:1983) Vol 7(2) Spring Summer, p118-132
Letters to a Buddhist Jew, A. Tatz, and D. Gottlieb (Targum Press:2004) p. 203-214
Class 6: Character Traits Workshop
Psychology
Happier, p 83-110; p129-133
Judaism
Gateway to Self Knowledge, Z.Pliskin (Aish HaTorah Publications: 1986) p56-78
Class 7: Focusing on the Positive
Psychology
"Counting Blessings versus Burdens: An Experimental Investigation of Gratitude and Subjective WellBeing in Daily Life", R. A. Emmons, & M. E. McCullough, (2003). Journal of Personality & Social
Psychology, 88, 377-389.
www./talbenshahar.com/images/stories/PDF/article2.pdf
Happier, p147-163
Judaism
Gates of Repentance, Rabbeinu Yonah (Feldheim:1990) p329, p351
Gateway to Happiness Z. Pliskin, (Bnay Yakov:1983) p 23-71
Class 8: Role of the Metaphysical
Judaism
Duties of the Heart, Ibn Pakuda (Feldheim:1997) Unity of God, Chapter 3-6
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The Infinite Light: A Book About God, A. Kaplan (NCSY:1998) p110-118 (as appears in The Aryeh
Kaplan Anthology Volume 1) published by Artscroll
Class 9: Self Esteem
Psychology
"Self-Esteem and The Making of Independent Thinkers", T.Ben Shahar
http://talbenshahar.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=44
Happier, p.141-145
Judaism
Gateway to Happiness, p.115-134
Angels Don't Leave Footprints A. Twerski (Shaar Press:2001) p11-28, p63-65
To Heal A Fractured World, J Sacks (Continuum 2005) p.264-273
Class 10: Dealing with Challenges
Psychology
Happier, p.135-140.
Judaism
Gateway To Happiness,p233-257
To Heal A Fractured World, J Sacks (Continuum 2005) p215-224
Why Me God? L. Aiken, (Aaronson:1996) p. xx- xxiv and 1-12
Class 11: Interpersonal Relationships
Psychology
"What Makes Marriages Work", J. M. Gottman & N. Silver, (1994). Psychology Today.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=pto-19940301-000022&print=1
Happier, p111-128
Judaism
Strive for Truth E. Dessler, (Feldheim 1988) V. 1, p. 118-133
"Intimacy and Sexuality: Judeo-Psychological Insights", R. Bulka Journal of Psychology and Judaism
(Springer:1993) Vol 17 Number 2 Summer p103-111
Class 12: The Jewish Festivals – an annual cycle of wellbeing
Psychology
Happier,p147-149 ; p165-168
Judaism
Sparks of Insipiration, D.Aaron : http://www.rabbidavidaaron.com/sparks.html
Mirrors in Time – A Psycho-Spiritual Journey through the Jewish Year, J.D.Ziff (Aronson: 1996) p4p85
Class 13: Anger Management
Gateway to Happiness,Ch. 11 (Anger) p.185-216
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POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY & JUDAISM COURSE (PSY544)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the course content and who are the lecturers?
Please see the above Course Syllabus for an overview of each class and the specific lecturer. Our
primary lecturer is Dr. Tal Ben Shahar of Harvard University. Other guest lecturers include Rabbi
Zeldman and Rabbi Feiner, both of whom are popular lecturers, and Mrs. Tzipporah Heller, an
internationally renowned author and speaker.
2. How many classes are there?
There are 13 classes taught via film and mp3.
3. Is the course taught completely online?
Yes. Therefore you need to have access to a computer which has:
1. Flash Player version 8.0 or higher
2. An Internet connection with browser
3. A media player such as Windows Media Player to listen to the mp3s downloadable from the
Jerusalemonlineuniversity.com site.
The students are also required to use Blackboard Learning System, the premiere educational
software for online education. Login and PW are provided by your teaching assistant at
Jerusalemonlineuniversity.com.
4. What is the structure of the course?
Each class begins with a film or audio file between 45 minutes to an hour in length. This is followed
by approximately two hours of required reading material, paired with a discussion question. Students
must post their answers on Blackboard by 10 PM every Sunday, and Rabbi Dr. Moshe Bleich,
Professor of Touro College will respond to these on a weekly basis.
The course therefore has an independent and interactive component. At the end of each class there
is also a short student feedback session. In total, the course consists of approximately 4.5 hours of
work per week.
5. Are there exams? How does the grading work?
There is a midterm exam approximately half way through the course. It is multiple choice test with
approximately 50 questions done live online. The last week of the class there is a final exam. The
format of this exam is three essays that must be done online in exam conditions. The midterm
comprises 30% of the student's grade, and the final comprises 40% of the student's grade. The other
30% is based on handing in assignments on time and the quality of the assignments.
6. How much does the course cost?
The course costs $549.99 for three credits.
7. When does the course begin?
The course is in session three times a year during the fall, winter and summer semesters. The course
runs for approximately 16 weeks. Please visit the website www.jerusalemonlineuniversity.com to see
the next upcoming dates.
8. Who is the course taught by?
The course is taught by Touro College instructors
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9. What Institution do I receive my credits from?
You receive your credits from Touro College, a member of the Middle States Commission of Higher
Education. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency
recognized by the United States Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education
Accreditation.
A Touro College transcript is given upon completion of the course which can then be submitted to
the students' university to transfer the credits. Below is the contact information necessary to
receive a copy of your transcript or to contact the Middle States Commission on Higher Education:
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Tel: 267-284-5000
10. Which electives/major modules can this course satisfy?
This is very much dependent upon your university.
11. How does a student enroll?
A student can apply online at www.Jerusalemonlineuniversity.com. For more information visit the
website.
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that their University will accept these credits. We
suggest as a first step visiting your academic advisor. We will send you a packet of information that
you can bring to your University. If you require any further assistance please contact our Jerusalem
Online University Touro representative at info@jerusalemonlineu.com.
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