We'll use this assignment category for a variety of small exercises from quizzes to group writing exercises, to short paragraph responses.

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.

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.

Choose this assignment for making a short presentation to the class or if you want to co-teach some content in the class.

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.

Visit the course wiki page for information about the Happiness and Wisdom Practica.

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.

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.

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.

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.