CQUniversity Unit Profile
PSYC20037 Introduction to Positive Psychology: Perspectives on Wellbeing
Introduction to Positive Psychology: Perspectives on Wellbeing
All details in this unit profile for PSYC20037 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

PSYC20037 Introduction to Positive Psychology will introduce you to the paradigm of positive psychology, and explore the development of this specialist area over the past 15-20 years. In this unit you will explore the discipline's emphasis on flourishing, and strengths based approaches, and examine how these differ from traditional psychological frameworks. The unit emphasises the multidimensional nature of wellbeing and resilience, and the links between physical and psychological health.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 8
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2018

Distance

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Group Work
Weighting: 30%
2. Presentation
Weighting: 30%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a pass/fail (non-graded) unit. To pass the unit, you must pass all of the individual assessment tasks shown in the table above.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student feedback (evaluations)

Feedback

Two students raised concerns about the online group presentation assessment item. Both concerns related to the difficulty of working with other students not in the same locale. In contrast, one student commented that it was an excellent opportunity to network with other students.

Recommendation

The course team will evaluate the group work component and implement a strategy for addressing the concerns, whilst enhancing the potential for the learning outcomes to be fulfilled.

Feedback from Student feedback (via Moodle and email).

Feedback

A number of students stated that they were very happy with the weekly unit coursework content, and liked the balance of online resources.

Recommendation

This format will continue for the unit.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Explain the key theoretical and empirical developments in positive psychology
  2. Explain multiple ways in which physical and psychological health are linked
  3. Apply the major principles and theories of Positive Psychology across a variety of contexts (individual, group, community, organisation)
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Group Work - 30%
2 - Presentation - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 - Group Work - 30%
2 - Presentation - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

Additional Textbook Information

There are no prescribed text books for this unit, however, the overall Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology course, and two of the units that are common to the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma courses, will draw upon the recommended texts as we move through each of the units. The Hefferon and Boniwell textbook is an introductory text designed specifically for tertiary education, and is also available an an e-book or in pdf online - this is a good starting point for those who have not previously studied or worked within the Positive Psychology area. The Lopez and Snyder text is a more advanced and much denser text, focused on research and applications within the positive psychology space. Regular weekly readings will be provided in this unit via the unit Moodle site.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Adam Gerace Unit Coordinator
a.gerace@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 05 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Foundations of Positive Psychology

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom Tutorial: Week 1 Wednesday (7 Mar 2018) 7:30-8:30 pm AEDT

Week 2 Begin Date: 12 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Positive Mental Health and Flourishing

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 19 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Positive Health Psychology

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom Tutorial: Week 3 Wednesday (21 Mar 2018) 7:30-8:30 pm AEDT

Week 4 Begin Date: 26 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Wellness, Emotions, and Motivation

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 02 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Happiness, Subjective Wellbeing, and Eudaimonic Wellbeing

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic


Vacation Week Begin Date: 09 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

No module/topic this week

Chapter

No set readings this week

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 - Group Work (Presentation Preparation)


Group Work (Presentation Preparation) Due: Vacation Week Monday (9 Apr 2018) 9:00 am AEST
Week 6 Begin Date: 16 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Life Experiences, Optimism, and Positive Coping

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 7 Begin Date: 23 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Resilience and Psychological Growth

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom Tutorial: Week 7 Wednesday (25 Apr 2018) 7:30-8:30 pm AEST

Week 8 Begin Date: 30 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Character Strengths and Positive Traits

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 07 May 2018

Module/Topic

Applying Positive Psychology

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 - Presentation. Presentations will occur over a series of consecutive evenings during Week 9 (7-11 May 2018) commencing at 7:30 pm AEST using Zoom.

All students will complete Peer Assessment Forms for other groups during the presentations.

Students may hand in any materials they would like considered for grading (e.g. their PowerPoint presentation) by the end of Week 9.


Presentation Due: Week 9 Friday (11 May 2018) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 14 May 2018

Module/Topic

Introduction to Applying Positive Psychology: Positive Education

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 21 May 2018

Module/Topic

Introduction to Applying Positive Psychology: Positive Organisations

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom Tutorial: Week 11 Wednesday (23 May 2018) 7:30-8:30 pm AEST

Week 12 Begin Date: 28 May 2018

Module/Topic

The Future of Positive Psychology

Chapter

Please see selected readings and activities on Moodle

Events and Submissions/Topic


Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 04 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

There are no examinations for this unit

Chapter

No set readings this week

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3 - Written Assessment


Written Assessment Due: Review/Exam Week Monday (4 June 2018) 9:00 am AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

There are no examinations for this unit

Chapter

No set readings this week

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

The Unit Coordinator for Introduction to Positive Psychology: Perspectives on Wellbeing PSYC20037 (2018 Term 1)  is Dr Adam Gerace.

Assessment Tasks

1 Group Work

Assessment Title
Group Work (Presentation Preparation)

Task Description

Assessment 1 (Group Work), Assessment 2 (Presentation) and Assessment 3 (Written Assessment) are integrated around a practical task of determining optimal ways to influence wellbeing. The overall aim of the assessment tasks is to explore the alignment between theory/research and practices for wellbeing approaches, and the implications for the improvement of psychological wellbeing.

For Assessment 1, students will complete a number of group and individual tasks which will be available in the Unit and Assessment Guide on the Moodle site.

  1. Join a peer group on Moodle
  2. Work with group members to explore different ways to measure wellbeing in a particular context - both physically and psychologically
  3. Reflect on their own wellbeing based on different ways to measure wellbeing explored with the group
  4. Plan a group presentation highlighting the different ways that wellbeing can be measured

The assessable submission for Assessment 1 will be comprised of:

  • a Presentation Plan (group submission),
  • a completed self-reflection of individual wellbeing (individual submission), and
  • completion of the Self and Peer Assessment (SPA) online survey (individual submission).

Further task details will be available on the unit Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Vacation Week Monday (9 Apr 2018) 9:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 6 Friday (20 Apr 2018)

Feedback and grade for this assessment will be provided to students within 2 weeks of submission.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

These are Pass/Fail assessment items.

Assessment 1 will be assessed according to the components below:

  • Presentation Plan (Group Mark)
  • Self-reflection (Individual Mark)
  • Team Work Skills (Individual Mark)

Detailed assessment requirements and marking criteria can be found in the Unit and Assessment Guide on Moodle.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
This assessment will be submitted online through Moodle. A submission portal will be provided in the unit Moodle site on the homepage in the Assessment section.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the key theoretical and empirical developments in positive psychology
  • Explain multiple ways in which physical and psychological health are linked


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Research
  • Self-management

2 Presentation

Assessment Title
Presentation

Task Description

Assessment 1 (Group Work), Assessment 2 (Presentation) and Assessment 3 (Written Assessment) are integrated around a practical task of determining optimal ways to influence wellbeing. The overall aim of the assessment tasks is to explore the alignment between theory/research and practices for wellbeing approaches, and the implications for the improvement of psychological wellbeing.

For Assessment 2, students will complete the following tasks:

  1. Prepare and deliver a 15-20 minute group presentation that examines different ways to measure, assess and influence wellbeing (group delivery)
  2. Complete a Peer Assessment Form of presentations from other groups (individual submission)

Further task details will be available on the unit Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Friday (11 May 2018) 5:00 pm AEST

Presentations will occur over a series of consecutive evenings during Week 9 (7-11 May 2018) commencing at 7:30 pm AEST using Zoom. All students will complete Peer Assessment Forms for other groups during the presentations. Students may hand in any materials they would like considered for grading (e.g. their PowerPoint presentation) by the end of Week 9.


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Friday (18 May 2018)

Feedback and grade for this assessment will be provided to students within 2 weeks of submission.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

This is a Pass/Fail Assessment Task.

Students will be assessed on:

  • Team Work and Presentation Skills
  • Presentation (Organisation and Coherence, Content, Creativity)

Detailed information regarding assessment requirements and criteria for assessment can be found in the Unit and Assessment Guide on Moodle.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
Presentations will occur during Week 9 using Zoom. Any additional materials will be submitted online through Moodle. A submission portal will be provided in the unit Moodle site on the homepage in the Assessment section.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the key theoretical and empirical developments in positive psychology
  • Explain multiple ways in which physical and psychological health are linked
  • Apply the major principles and theories of Positive Psychology across a variety of contexts (individual, group, community, organisation)


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment

Task Description

Assessment 1 (Group Work), Assessment 2 (Presentation) and Assessment 3 (Written Assessment) are integrated around a practical task of determining optimal ways to influence wellbeing. The overall aim of the assessment tasks is to explore the alignment between theory/research and practices for wellbeing approaches, and the implications for the improvement of psychological wellbeing.

For Assessment 3 students will write a 2500 word essay exploring how wellbeing could be influenced in a practical setting. The essay should focus on one or more of the concepts and issues explored within the group presentation. The essay should focus on integrating theory/research (from the literature) and how this could be usefully applied in a practical setting.

Further task details will be available on the unit Moodle site.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Monday (4 June 2018) 9:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (15 June 2018)

Feedback and grade for this assessment will be provided to students within 2 weeks of submission.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

This is a Pass/Fail Assessment.

Students will be assessed on the following criteria:

  • Introduction (posing of practical issue)
  • Analysis of theory/research – theory/research and application links
  • Evaluation of theory/research – theory/research and application links
  • Quality of literacy and written communication skills
  • Adherence to APA referencing/presentation style

Detailed information regarding assessment requirements and criteria for assessment can be found in the Unit and Assessment Guide on Moodle.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
This assessment will be submitted online through Moodle. A submission portal will be provided in the unit Moodle site on the homepage in the Assessment section.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply the major principles and theories of Positive Psychology across a variety of contexts (individual, group, community, organisation)


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Research

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?