IDS 300: The Happiness Class: Module 4: Work & Vocation

An interdisciplinary study of the social, psychological, theological, and artistic responses to human happiness and joy, this course explores what it means to flourish. In the course of this study, we will particularly contemplate the role of creativity,

Happiness and Work

Readings

Native American Views on Happiness

Assignments

Response Paper 4 – Guest Speaker: Dr. Tyson Anderson – Due in Class on October 1

Research Paper: Philosophical Approaches to Happiness – 100 points – Due in Class on October 6

This research paper adopts one of the philosophical approaches to happiness discussed in class and demonstrates knowledge of that philosophy, its assumptions and tenets and specific ideas about happiness and the good life. Your neat, stapled paper should be 5-7 typed pages, it should include at least 4 scholarly resources which appear on a Works Cited page, and each of the resources you list on the Works Cited page must be cited in the body of your text at least once. Use the MLA style manual and turn in a hard copy of your paper.

Response Paper 5 – Guest Speaker: Liddell and Battista – Due in Class on October 8

Journal Entry 4 – Work & Vocation – Due in Class on October 13

Sayers, “Why Work?” 191-195

Percy, “To Be of Use,” 199

TED: The Happy Secret to Better Work

Shawn Achor
We believe that we should work to be happy, but could that be backwards? In this fast-moving and entertaining talk, psychologist Shawn Achor argues that actually happiness inspires productivity.

TED: What Makes Us Feel Good About Our Work?

Dan Ariely
What motivates us to work? Contrary to conventional wisdom, it isn't just money. But it's not exactly joy either. It seems that most of us thrive by making constant progress and feeling a sense of purpose. Behavioral economist Dan Ariely presents two eye-opening experiments that reveal our unexpected and nuanced attitudes toward meaning in our work.

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