Overview

ABOUT THE COURSE:Positive psychology, well being and the science of happiness have become almost a craze today with its stress, change and speed. This tested and highly successful course from IIT Kharagpur’s Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness is designed to take one step by step through the science as well as the discovery of the road to happiness. It introduces students to the fundamental concepts, the causes, the mechanism, the effect, as well as the practice of happiness from a scientific and analytical perspective. A must for any professional, it is highly recommended for everyone. If offered for NPTEL Online Certification (NOC), this much-in-demand course would be available online for a large number of participants, with opportunities for collaboration and learning for easy application.INTENDED AUDIENCE: For anyone keen to understand the science of self-management and wellbeingPREREQUISITES: No restrictions, ideally after class XII.INDUSTRY SUPPORT: Happiness is today strongly linked with productivity in the Corporate sector. Many private and public sector industries are now keen to see their employees happy. The Centre at IIT Kharagpur on the Science of Happiness has received a number of offers from such companies to train their employees. This will be especially relevant for the HR team, and for managers at all levels.

Syllabus

Week 1: Operationalizing happiness: Defining happinessWeek 2:Understanding the construct of happiness: The science of happiness These five modules would introduce the key concepts that make up the science of happiness, and create the basic ground for the sessions to follow. It would also include pretests to assess current happiness and other related parameters.Week 3:Factors influencing happiness: Biological, psychological & socio-cultural factors These modules would focus on the key components influence happiness through talks, case studies and self-learning tasks.Week 4:Unanswered questions: What makes us happy? The modules in this week would focus on the myths as well as the simple secrets of happiness and how to make the act successful through understanding and practice. Happiness: The dynamics within: Key ingredients of happiness These modules would address the key ingredients with scientific evidence, case studies and online assignments and assessments.Week 5:Train yourself in Happiness: Two short modules on Mindfulness These sessions would take us through the science as well as the art of mindfulness through online practice sessions and training aids. Happiness in the social context: Three modules on Emotional Intelligence. Emotions play a key role in happiness and need to be addressed in their various ways in response to people and society. Tests, assessments and training sessions to hone skills would be included.Week 6:Happiness at work: Getting rid of daily hassles Happiness and efficiency, happiness and creativity, and various other key components like innovation and follow would be addressed in these units. Fine tuning work-life balance: Strategies to develop happiness Through units as well as assessment tools participants would be guided through techniques to hone their work-life balance – a key component of success as well as happiness.Week 7:Becoming happier: State & trait of happiness This week would focus on sustaining and enhancing what has been learnt so far through both theoretical as well as training inputs.Week 8:Creating happiness: Making a difference for others Happiness needs to spread. These units would focus on networking and sustaining what has been learnt by sharing with others. Post-test assessments would also be used to tests changes that have been brought about during the 12 weeks of the course.