Main Field of Study and progress level:
Psychology: First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
Grading scale: Three-grade scale
Responsible department: Department of Psychology
Established by: Head of Department of Psychology, 2015-10-05
Revised by: Head of Department of Psychology, 2017-09-18
Contents
This course provides basic knowledge on positive psychology. Positive psychology focuses on the individualäs emotion and cognitive strengths and competences. The course deepens the knowledge on central concepts and theories used in positive psychology, but focuses also on the critique that has been aimed towards the field. To understand this critique, methods and measures are discussed. A scientific literature review will be conducted that focuses on theory and methods. The course will be problematized from a diversity perspective.
Expected learning outcomes
After completion of the course, the student will be able to: Knowledge and understanding Give account for and explain the contribution of the positive psychology to psychology as a subject. Give account for and explain central concepts in positive psychology. Give account for and explain central theories in positive psychology. Give account for and explain the critique against positive psychology.
Skills and ability Analyze positive psychology from a health perspective. Convey research on positive psychology orally and in written. Apply and evaluate relevant methods and measures.
Evaluation ability and approach Critically review, analyze and evaluate methods and literature in positive psychology.
Required Knowledge
Mathematics 2a/2b/2c, Civics 1b/1a1+1a2, or Mathematics B, Civics A
Form of instruction
The teaching requires high student activity and participation and includes lecutres, seminars, exercices, group work and group supervision. The teaching is partly placed on campus and partly on the Internet (semi distance). Teaching resources will be provided and some communication takes part through the Internet based course platform Cambro. This requires specific demands on technical equipment and competence. Examination is compulsory.
The right to teaching and supervision is only given during the time period that the student is registered on the course. The course can be given in Swedish or English.
Examination modes
Both written and oral examination will occur. Examination will be performed both individual and in group.
Individually Knowledge and understanding is examined by a written exam. Ability to evaluate and approach is examined by a scientific literature review and oral presentation. Re-examination is given with an equivalent task within two months of ordinary examination. In group Skills, ability, evaluation ability, and approach is examined by a written group report.
Re-examination is given with an equivalent task within two months of ordinary examination. Examination is specified in the schedule. All aspects of teaching can be subject to examination. Decision of deviation from type of examination is made by the Director of undergraduate studies.
The course grade will be established when the written exam/exams and all mandatory parts have been completed. The grades are Pass with distinction, Pass, or Fail. The student has the right to 5 examination occasions (at least two occasions if the testing is practical, clinical or similar). For students who have failed the first exam occasion, additional exam occasions are arranged according to Umeå University´s ”Regler för betyg och examination på grund- och avancerad nivå.” A student who has not passed an exam on two exam occasions in a course or part of a course has the right to a new examiner, unless particular reasons speak against it (Higher Education Ordinance, Högskoleförordningen 6 kap. 22 §). Request for a new examiner is handed in to the Head of the Department of Psychology. The student has the right to be examined according to the same syllabus on at least two occasions up to two years after the first registration.
Transfer of credits The student has the right to have previous educations or comparable knowledge and occupational skills tried for crediting of a similar education at Umeå University. The application is sent to Studentcentrum/Examina. Further information on crediting is available at www.student.umu.se and regulated by law in the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 6). A rejection of such an application can be appealed (Higher Education Ordinance, chapter 12) to the Higher Education Appeals Board (Överklagandenämnden för högskolan). This applies to rejection of the entire application as well as to parts of it.
