UCC/UGC/ECCC
Proposal for New Course
Please attach proposed Syllabus in approved university format.
1. Course subject and number: PRM 205
2. Units: 3
See upper and lower division undergraduate course definitions.
Geography, Planning and
3. College: SBS
4. Academic Unit:
Recreation
5. Student Learning Outcomes of the new course. (Resources & Examples for Developing Course Learning
Outcomes)
Students will :
1. identify fundamental happiness concepts
2. describe the similarities and differences between the concepts of happiness, mind
awareness, and positive phychology
3. assess the individual and societal applications for happiness, mind awareness, and
positive phychology
4. summarize individual and cultural challenges which may result from implementing
happiness concepts
5. critically evaluate the concepts of happiness, mind awareness, and positive phychology
based on current trends and scientific invesitgations
6. apply a personal happiness project
6. Justification for new course, including how the course contributes to degree program outcomes,
or other university requirements / student learning outcomes. (Resources, Examples & Tools for Developing
Effective Program Student Learning Outcomes).
The traditional purpose of parks and recreation has been described as impacting an individual
and/or community’s “quality of life” or “life satisfaction.” These are outdated concepts for the
current professional trend which is beginning to focus on “happiness”. This course is
intended to be integrated into the Parks and Recreation Management major in the near future.
7. Effective BEGINNING of what term and year?
See effective dates calendar.
8. Long course title: HAPPINESS
(max 100 characters including spaces)
9. Short course title: HAPPINESS
(max. 30 characters including spaces)
Effective Fall 2013
Spring 2015
10. Catalog course description (max. 60 words, excluding requisites):
This course will investigate the contemporary concepts of “happiness,” from a multidisciplinary approach. The course will focus on applying happiness and mindfulness
concepts to individual outcomes.
11. Will this course be part of any plan (major, minor or certificate) or sub plan (emphasis)?
Yes
If yes, include the appropriate plan proposal.
No
12. Does this course duplicate content of existing courses?
Yes
No
If yes, list the courses with duplicate material. If the duplication is greater than 20%, explain why
NAU should establish this course.
13. Will this course impact any other academic unit’s enrollment or plan(s)?
Yes
No
If yes, describe the impact. If applicable, include evidence of notification to and/or response from
each impacted academic unit
14. Grading option:
Letter grade
Pass/Fail
Both
15. Co-convened with:
14a. UGC approval date*:
(For example: ESE 450 and ESE 550) See co-convening policy.
*Must be approved by UGC before UCC submission, and both course syllabi must be presented.
16. Cross-listed with:
(For example: ES 450 and DIS 450) See cross listing policy.
Please submit a single cross-listed syllabus that will be used for all cross-listed courses.
17. May course be repeated for additional units?
16a. If yes, maximum units allowed?
16b. If yes, may course be repeated for additional units in the same term?
Yes
Yes
No
No
18. Prerequisites:
none
If prerequisites, include the rationale for the prerequisites.
19. Co requisites:
none
If co requisites, include the rationale for the co requisites.
20. Does this course include combined lecture and lab components?
Yes
If yes, include the units specific to each component in the course description above.
Dr. Charles Hammersley
21. Names of the current faculty qualified to teach this course: John Lynch
Effective Fall 2013
No
22. Classes scheduled before the regular term begins and/or after the regular term ends may require
additional action. Review “see description” and “see impacts” for “Classes Starting/Ending
Outside Regular Term” under the heading “Forms”
http://nau.edu/Registrar/Faculty-Resources/Schedule-of-Classes-Maintenance/.
Do you anticipate this course will be scheduled outside the regular term?
Yes
No
Answer 22-23 for UCC/ECCC only:
23. Is this course being proposed for Liberal Studies designation?
If yes, include a Liberal Studies proposal and syllabus with this proposal.
Yes
No
24. Is this course being proposed for Diversity designation?
If yes, include a Diversity proposal and syllabus with this proposal.
Yes
No
FLAGSTAFF MOUNTAIN CAMPUS
Scott Galland
Reviewed by Curriculum Process Associate
10/22/2014
Date
Approvals:
Department Chair/Unit Head (if appropriate)
Date
Chair of college curriculum committee
Date
Dean of college
Date
For Committee use only:
UCC/UGC Approval
Date
Approved as submitted:
Yes
No
Approved as modified:
Yes
No
Effective Fall 2013
EXTENDED CAMPUSES
Reviewed by Curriculum Process Associate
Date
Approvals:
Academic Unit Head
Date
Division Curriculum Committee (Yuma, Yavapai, or Personalized Learning)
Date
Division Administrator in Extended Campuses (Yuma, Yavapai, or Personalized
Learning)
Date
Faculty Chair of Extended Campuses Curriculum Committee (Yuma, Yavapai, or
Personalized Learning)
Date
Chief Academic Officer; Extended Campuses (or Designee)
Date
Approved as submitted:
Yes
No
Approved as modified:
Yes
No
Effective Fall 2013
PRM 205 Happiness - Course Syllabus
Course Title/Number: PRM 205 Happiness
Liberal Studies Designation: Aesthetic and Human Inquiry
(submitted)
Semester Offered: Fall
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
Course Facilitator: Dr. Charles Hammersley
Office phone: (928) 523-6655
Teaching Philosophy
Fax: (928) 523-2275
Office Address: Northern Arizona University, 70 McConnell Drive, room 201, PO Box 15016,
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5016
E-mail: charles.hammersley@nau.edu
Office Hours: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (other hours available by appointment)
Course Prerequisites: none
Course Description: This course will investigate the contemporary concepts of “happiness,” from a
multi-disciplinary approach. The course will focus on applying happiness and mindfulness concepts to
individual outcomes.
Liberal Studies Information (Aesthetic and Human Inquiry – requested)
In this course, students will investigate the concept of happiness as related to the human condition
through philosophical inquiry and analysis of various forms of creative expression including movies,
video, and music. The course will assist students to develop and practice habits of an examined or
self-reflective life, applying major religious and philosophical. Students will also develop their
capacities for analysis and ethical reasoning along with a multi-cultural understanding of the facets of
happiness as it relates to the human condition.
This course is a multi-disciplinary exploration of current concepts of the human condition called
“happiness.” Using recognized texts from internationally recognized researchers and philosophers
the course uses a variety of readings, group discussions and technology assignments to attempt to
understand the multi-faceted concepts of mind awareness, positive psychology and happiness.
This course addresses the mission of the Liberal Studies program specifically, the “Practice the habits
of an examined or self-reflective life to facilitate ethical and responsible living,” by readings and
Effective Fall 2013
discussions of current religious and philosophical concepts related tto happiness.
Essential Skills – Critical Thinking: The content of the course will present opportunities for the
students to gain and apply mind awareness to their personal, community and societal environments.
Through readings, class discussions and written assignments, they will investigate and evaluate
various concepts related to happiness from different professional fields of study and religion.
Student Learning Expectations/Outcomes
Students will :
1. identify fundamental happiness concepts
2. describe the similarities and differences between the concepts of happiness, mind awareness,
and positive phychology
3. assess the individual and societal applications for happiness, mind awareness, and positive
phychology
4. summarize individual and cultural challenges which may result from implementing happiness
concepts
5. critically evaluate the concepts of happiness, mind awareness, and positive phychology
based on current trends and scientific invesitgations
6. apply a personal happiness project
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students will be assessed through readings of text books (3), multiple choice tests (3), discussion
groups and activities in class, a research article presentation, and completing a journal/app and
survey.
Course structure/approach
The course combines lectures, readings and videos with group discussions and directed activities
including hands-on experiential learning.
Textbooks and required materials
Dalai Lama & Cutler, H. (2009). The Art of Happiness.
Penguin Group, New York.
Effective Fall 2013
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2009). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.
Harper & Row, New York.
Seligman, M. E. (2011). Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive
Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. Free Press.
New York.
Additional Required Materials: Smart Phone App – See list of Apps in the course References.
Recommended optional materials/references (attach reading list) – see Attached
Course Outline
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Dates
January 19 - 23
January 26 – 30
February 2 - 6
February 9 - 13
February 16 - 20
February 23 - 27
March 2 - 6
March 9 - 13
Lecture Topic
Purpose of Life
Compassion
Living a Spiritual Life
Happiness
Conditions of Flow
Making of Meaning
Positive Emotion
Mansions of Life
Lecture Assignment
Dalai Lama Chap 1-4 / Assign 1
Dalai Lama Chap 5-10
Dalai Lama Chap 11-15 / Assign 2
MC Chap 1-3
MC Chap 4-6 / Assign 3
MC Chap 7-10
Seligman Chap 1-9 / Assign 4
Seligman Chap 10 – 14 / Assign 5
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
 Methods of Assessment:
Tests The three tests will be evaluations that are multiple choice questions to assess learning
of key concepts from the course text books. Each exam will be based on one of the course text
books.
Discussion Groups These are in-class or online discussions with an assigned group of
approximately 6-8 students. Each groups will review the major concepts of each text and
assignment. Group grades will be based on their ability to answer specific questions. Some
discussions will be group activities, which will have a grade based on student participation.
Written Assignments There are five written assignments (see Assignments). Each
assignment will be graded based on a descriptive summary. The App/Journal assignment is
graded on the quality of each entry and use of evidence from the class material or app
directions.
 Timeline for Assessment (See Course Outline)
Effective Fall 2013
Grading System
Tests & Assignments
Tests
Discussion Groups
Happiness Web Search Assignment
Happiness Article Review Assignment
Happiness App or Journal Assignment
Happiness Movie Review
Happiness Survey
Total
Calculations
3 @ 15 points each
4 @ 5 points each
1 @ 10 points
1 @ 10 points
1 @ 10 points
1 @ 10 points
1 @ 5 points
Learning
Points
Outcomes
LO 1-5
30 points
LO 3-6
20 points
LO 1-5
10 points
LO 2 & 5
10 points
LO 6
10 points
LO 3-5
10 points
LO 5
10 points
100 points
Grading Basis:
90 – 100 = A; 80 – 89 = B; 70 – 79 = C; 60 – 69 = D; less than 60 = F
Course policy
 Retests/makeup tests – Make-up tests will be not be allowed unless evidence of a
significant personal or medical issue is provided to the course Instructor.
 Attendance – Attendance is not required, but is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED
 Statement on plagiarism and cheating /Academic Integrity Policy
University policies: http://nau.edu/OCLDAA/_Forms/UCC/SyllabusPolicyStmts2-2014/.
PRM 205 HAPPINESS – ASSIGNMENTS
ASSIGNMENT 1 – HAPPINESS WEB SEARCH
Assignment Directions
Open your browser and TYPE “Happiness” in the search box.
1. List the first five (5) sites that come up, be sure to
include the site's name and the complete web address
(ex. Yoga Journal. (2014). Retrieved from
http://www.yogajournal.com/) for each site.
2. Write a one paragraph overview for EACH of the five
web sites.
Submit this assignment to the course facilitator as
an email message.
Effective Fall 2013
ASSIGNMENT 2 – HAPPINESS ARTICLE REVIEW
Assignment Directions
Select a current (2012-2014) article that has a focus on
happiness from any of the following sources:
 Internet
 Newspapers
 Magazines
 Journals
From the happiness article you have selected, please
provide the following information:
1. A 500 word (minimum) article review, identifying the
significant theme or concepts of the article.
2. Include a complete citation in the correct American
Psychological Association (6th ed) (APA) format.
*Please be sure to check your spelling.
Submit this assignment to the course facilitator as
an email message.
ASSIGNMENT 3 – HAPPINESS APP OR JOURNAL
Assignment Directions
1. Select a Happiness app for your smart phone from the
apps listed in References (ex. Track Your Happiness)
2. Submit a report on the app selected address the
following details:
 Purpose of the app;
 Suggested length of time used;
 Amount of time required (hours/weeks)
 Results, how did it work for you.
Submit this assignment to the course facilitator as
an email message.
Effective Fall 2013
ASSIGNMENT 4 – HAPPINESS MOVIE REVIEW
Assignment Directions
1. Select a movie from the list below:
 City Slickers with Billy Crystal
 Click with Adam Sandler
 Groundhog Day with Bill Murray
 Hardball with Keana Reeves
 Holy Man with Eddy Murphy
 The Big Green
 The Mighty Ducks with Emilio Estevez
 The Sandlot
 The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
* Or request a different movie with the Instructor’s prior
approval.
2. Submit a review addressing the following concepts:
 Basic story line
 Review of major characters
 How “happiness” is incorporated into the theme
Submit this assignment to the course facilitator as
an email message.
Suggested Movie Sources
 Amazon Prime
 Hulu
 Netflix
 Redbox
 Vudu
ASSIGNMENT 5 – HAPPINESS SURVEY
Assignment Directions
1. Instructions: Go to the Happiness Survey and complete
the entire survey (about 20 minutes).
2. Submit ALL the following scores to Dr. Hammersley in the
body of an email (NOT AS AN ATTACHMENT).
Submit this assignment to the course facilitator in an
email message.
Fill in your scores into the table below or copy the table from your emailed results.
Domain
Overall Satisfaction With Life
Mental Well-Being
Health
Effective Fall 2013
Your Raw
Score
All Survey Takers
Average
Your Normalized
Score
Time Balance
Community Vitality
Social Support
Access to Education, Arts &
Culture
Environment
Governance
Material Well-Being
Work
PRM 205 Happiness References
Video References
Happy: Happy takes viewers on a journey from the swamps of Louisiana to the slums of Kolkata in
search of what really makes people happy.
Happy People: This documentary explores life along the River Yenisei in Russia, where the
industrious inhabitants of a rural village truly live off the land.
I AM: In this reflective documentary, filmmaker Tom Shadyac chats with philosophers and spiritual
leaders about what ails the world and how to improve it.
Stress: With a focus on Stanford neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky's work, this program looks at the
latest research on an insidiously silent killer: stress.
10 Questions for the Dalai Lama: This fascinating documentary blends an interview with the Dalai
Lama with a look back at the spiritual leader's history and exile.
With One Voice: Featuring mystics from around the world, this illuminating documentary seeks to
explore the unity of humanity and reveal our essential oneness.
Chandrashekar Kalhal – Facebook
What the Bleep Do We Know? What is our purpose? Where do we come from? What is reality? What
the Bleep Do We Know!? takes viewers on a journey to unlock the secrets of life. Follow Amanda, a
divorced, middle-aged woman who is thrust into a world where science and spirituality converge. As
her entire concept of reality is challenged, yours will be too. See for yourself why this groundbreaking
movie became one of the most compelling and talked about films of the last decade.
Books
Chopra, D. (2010). The Ultimate Happiness Prescription: 7 Keys to Joy and Enlightenment. Harmony,
New York
Effective Fall 2013
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2009). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row, New York.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2013). The meaning of things-Domestic symbols and the self. Harper & Row,
New York.
Haidt, J. (2006). The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom. Basic Books,
Hachette Book Group, New York
De Graaf, J. (2003). Take Back Your Time-Fighting Overwork and Time Poverty in America. BerrettKoehler Publisher, San Francisco
Helliwell. J., Layard, R. & Sachs, J (eds). (2012). World Happiness Report. The Earth Institute,
Columbia Univeersity.
Dalai Lama & Cutler, H. (2009). The Art of Happiness. Penguin Group, New York.
Dalai Lama. (2013). The Basic Sources of Happiness. Parallaz Press, New York.
De Graaf, J., Wann, D. & Naylor, T. (2003). Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic. Berrett-Koehler
Publisher, San Francisco
Frankel, V. (1984). Man’s Search for Meaning. Washington Square Press, New York.
Gunaratana, B. H. (2001). Eight Mindful Steps To Happiness. Boston, Wisdom Publications.
Ricard, M. (2003). Happiness-A Guide To Developing Life’s Most Important Skill. Hachette Book
Group, New York.
Rubin, G. (2011). The Happiness Project. Potter Style, New York
Seligman, M. E. (2011). Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your
Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. Free Press. New York.
Tolle, E. (2006). A New Earth-Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose. Penguin Group, New York.
Tolle, E. (2010). The Power of Now. New World Library, Novato, California
Weiner, E. (2008). The Geography of Bliss. Twelve Hachette Book Group, New York
Articles
Brooks, A. C. (Dec. 14, 2013). A Formula for Happiness. New York Times.
Kluger, J. (July 8, 2013). The Happiness of Pursuit. Time Magazine.
Effective Fall 2013
Blogs
Can't Buy Happiness? Money, personality, and well-being. By Ryan T. Howell, Ph.D.
Curious? Discovering and creating a life that matters. By Todd B. Kashdan, Ph.D.
Ethical Wisdom. The examined life. By Mark Matousek
Feeling It. Emotional expertise for happiness and success. By Emma M. Seppala, Ph.D.
Happiness by Design. Increasing Personal Happiness by Changing What You Do, Not How You
Think. By Paul Dolan Ph.D.,
Happiness in this World. Reflections of a Buddhist physician. By Alex Lickerman, M.D.
How of Happiness. The scientific pursuit of happiness. By Sonja Lyubomirsky
In Love and War. Rethinking the way we treat ourselves. By Juliana Breines
Happiness Apps
 The Gratitude Habit
o 20 minute workshop for a simple way to live a happier life
o Free
 Instant Pep Talk-Happiness
o Everyday you’ll receive a message to massage your spirit. Or fell free to use my “mood”
list to find an inspiring poster that will help to heal whatever’s ailing you! Other features:
share instant pep talk with others, create your own posters. Free version includes 25
pep talk posters, the upgrade includes more posters.
o Free
 Happiness Tips
o This app gives hundreds of cool and wise tips to be happy. These tips will inspire hope,
motivation, success, inspiration, beauty, peace, happiness and joy.
o Free
 Gratitude Journal 365 Pro
o The main focus of this app is on writing down what you are thankful for and already
have. With continued exercise, practicing gratitude will create more abundance,
prosperity, well-being, and happiness than you ever thought possible.
o $1.99
 Happier
o Happier is a fun way to discover, create, and share small moments you appreciate in
your daily life. Features: on-the-go gratitude journal, expert-led courses to discover new
ways to find joy, and connect with other Happier users.
o Free
 Positive Thinking- The Key to Happiness
o You can learn the method to grow positive thinking, and take advice of our tips to
develop a positive attitude. You will also find motivational and inspirational quotes.
Effective Fall 2013
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o Free
Get Happy- ways to increase your happiness
o Learn skills to effectively deal with painful thoughts and feelings and provide clarity
about what is really important in your life. You will receive a tip every day as a
notification. Get Happy provides psychological strategies in a portable and accessible
way.
o $0.99
Cheers- Celebrate Life and Happiness
o Join a community of positive people. Start or join celebrations about topics you’re
passionate about. Cheer to brighten up your day and the world around you.
o Free
Happiness Wizard
o Your personal guide to creating more Joy, Love and Satisfaction in Life. Happiness
Wizard will show you how to live a happier, more fulfilling life.
o Free
Gratitude and Happiness
o A simple app that tracks four defined items and displays those in daily, weekly, and
monthly graphs to show progress and how things are related: Degree of Happiness,
Express Gratitude, In Touch with Friends, Acts of Kindness.
o $0.99
Happiness Mood Tracking Journal
o Helps you track your happiness and presents this with clear visualizations. This app
helps you to be objective about your emotions and helps you to make better life
decisions.
o $4.99
Gratitude Journal: Happiness Diary
o At a random time during each day (you set the time frame) Random Gratitude Journal
will send you a push notification asking you what you’re grateful for. This causes you to
stop and think for a few seconds while you’re living your day.
o $0.99
The Mindfulness App
o The Mindfulness App helps you to reduce stress and increase wellbeing. Scientific
research proves that regular practice for 20 minutes a day brings desired effects. You
can choose between different types of guided meditations or you can meditate in
silence.
o $1.99
Happy Test- Secret of Happiness
o Find your happiness level. Become inspired by others stories of happiness. Understand
the true Secret of Happiness. Use our creative and fun way to measure your current
happiness level.
o Free
One Thing To Do Today
o The simple and random tasks on this app are carefully designed to trigger different
types of awareness and thinking each day and through incremental daily change,
transform your whole perspective on life.
o Free
Happiness Surveys:
Effective Fall 2013
Authentic Happiness ( General Happiness Scale and the Fordyce Emotions Questionnaire)
The Happiness Alliance (Gross National Happiness Index Survey)
The Oxford Happiness Project (The Happiness Questionnaire )
Effective Fall 2013