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0 - 1st Practice Writing Assignment(0%)
formal
required
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1 - Assessing Stoicism(0%)
formal
required
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1 - Obstacles to Happiness(0%)
formal
required
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1 - Points(35-65%)
formal
required
We'll use this assignment category for a variety of small exercises from quizzes to group writing exercises, to short paragraph responses.
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2 - Short Critical Paper(10-15%)
formal
required
As we head into the Thanksgiving Holliday, I will ask you to write a short reflective paper on a theme our unit on American culture and the Easterlin Paradox.
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3 - My Philosophy of Happiness and Wisdom(20-35%)
formal
required
This 7-10 page paper presents your philosophy of happiness and wisdom. Make selections from course content (both evidence and theories you agree with, as well as conclusions you draw from rejecting or partially disagreeing with some views) and assemble an overall theory which tailors the best resources in the course to your understanding of your own personality and outlook. Be sure to provide rationales (reasons and explanations) for your view.
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Class presentation / Co-teaching(5-15%)
informal
optional
Choose this assignment for making a short presentation to the class or if you want to co-teach some content in the class.
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Critical Analysis Paper(5-15%)
informal
optional
This is a standard philosophy paper in which you take on a topic, usually from class, that can be discussed critically in 3-5 pages. Contact me for topic approval. No need for anonymity here.
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Happiness/Wisdom Practica(15-25%)
informal
optional
Visit the course wiki page for information about the Happiness and Wisdom Practica.
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Journals(5-10%)
informal
optional
Journal entries allow informal reflection on topics related to course material. Each entry can be sent as an email, 300-500 words or more each. Three entries for 5% or six for 10%. No need for anonymity on this assignment.
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Movie or Book group(5-10%)
informal
optional
Watch a Happiness/Wisdom themed movie, on your own or in a group. Write up a critical response. No need for anonymity here. One for 5%, two for 10%. Turn in as email attachment.
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Music of Happiness (5-10%)
informal
optional
Prepare a playlist of music that you associate with different sorts of positive affect. Write a few notes about each song or work. For 5% a short playlist of 10 pieces, with brief notes (2-3 pages). For 10%, either a longer playlist or more extensive reflection (3-5 pages). Turn in as email attachment.
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Short Term Research(10-20%)
formal
optional
This assignment allows you to receive credit in the course for taking on a specific research question of interest to you and reporting on it.