Character strengths and wellbeing in academic practice - step 2: new applications 1600-SZD-SPEC-MS2-PS
The goal of a course is to develop the self-awareness on possessing and application of character strengths in various areas of academic practice (scientific, didactic, administrative/organizational) as a first step to support the psychological well-being. During a course participants get insight into the level of own well-being in various areas of academic practice based on well-being theory of PERMA-H of Martin Seligman, they increase the self-awareness of own character strengths based on virtues and character strength classification of Martin Seligman and Christoper Peterson and model Awareness-Exploration-Application of Ryan Niemiec, and they get familiarized with results of contemporary studies on relationships of character strengths and well-being.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
The goal of a course is to develop the self-awareness on possessing and application of character strengths in various areas of academic practice (scientific, didactic, administrative/organizational) as a first step to support the psychological well-being. During a course participants get insight into the level of own well-being in various areas of academic practice based on well-being theory of PERMA-H of Martin Seligman, they increase the self-awareness of own character strengths based on virtues and character strength classification of Martin Seligman and Christoper Peterson and model Awareness-Exploration-Application of Ryan Niemiec, and they get familiarized with results of contemporary studies on relationships of character strengths and well-being.
Assessment criteria
Description of requirements related to participation in classes, including the
permitted number of explained absences: Participants learn through active participation in proposed individual activities, activities in small groups, and in the whole group forum, though self-observing, engaging in self-reflection, as well as learning from others' experiences. This requires a safe atmosphere, sharing experiences and reflections, and engagement during the classes. Therefore, during the classes, one class hour of absence is allowed, only during the second day of the sessions. Between sessions, students are required to read a chapter of literature on the chosen character strength overuse and underuse, and keep a journal of self-observation of new applications one selected signature character strength.
Principles for passing the classes and the subject (including resit session): A week after the end of the classes, participants present the individual paper consisting of two parts: a reflection on literature regarding one chosen personal signature character strength, and a journal of self-observations of the new applications of this character strength conducted for 7 days (initiated during the interval between sessions). Students may improve their work once, one month after receiving assessment.
Methods for the verification of learning outcomes: Written individual paper.
Evaluation criteria: Literature Reflection: Addressing at least one of the issues mentioned in the literature regarding the overuse or underuse of the chosen signature character strength and engaging in deep reflection on these issues in light of one's own beliefs and experiences. Structuring the work to include an introduction defining the purpose of the reflection, organized development, and conclusion. Adhering to formal requirements – minimum of 1000, maximum of 2000 characters with spaces.Journal: Description of the new application of the signature strength includes information about the action plan, situational context, behaviors, feelings, and thoughts for each of the 7 days. The work includes final conclusions drawn from the reflection on the described applications referring to the conditions of long-term voluntary intervention use.
Practical placement
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Bibliography
Grant, A. M., & Schwartz, B. (2011). Too much of a good thing: The challenge and opportunity of the inverted U. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 6(1), 61–76. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916103935232.
Niemiec, R. M. (2019). Finding the golden mean: the overuse, underuse, and optimal use of character strengths. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 32(3–4). https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070.2019.16176743.
Niemiec, R. M., & Wedding, D. (2013). Positive Psychology at the Movies: Using Films to Build Character Strengths and Well-Being Gottingen, Germany: Hogrefe. – chapters on theoretical description of overuse and underuse of character strengths description of character strengths and examples of overusing and underusing.
Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification. Washington, DC: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=129815 =pl&site=eds-live
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: