December 2021

Hong Kong Community College

Subject Description Form

Subject Code SHDH2051

Subject Title Positive Psychology in Daily Life

Credit Value 3

Level 2

Medium of English, supplemented with Chinese

Instruction

Pre-requisite / Nil
Co-requisite/
Exclusion

Prior Knowledge Nil

Objectives To introduce the fundamental knowledge of positive psychology, this

subject familiarises students with concepts and research findings in the
field, such as happiness, character strengths, gratitude and forgiveness.
To develop the application skills in daily life, this subject stimulates
students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings for enhancing
psychological well-being from individual to institutional levels. To foster
positive values of living, this subject provides opportunities for students
to appreciate different ways of making life more meaningful and
flourishing.

Intended Learning Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to:
Outcomes
(a) explain the basic concepts, theories and related research findings of
positive psychology;

(b) identify the effective practices for promoting psychological well-

being and character development;

(c) examine the psychological and cultural factors, particularly in the

local context, contributing to human well-being.

Subject Synopsis/ Evolution of Positive Psychology

Indicative Syllabus Historical background of positive psychology; Basic concepts of
psychological research.

Positive Individuals
Positive emotions and well-being; Character strengths and virtues; Flow
and mindfulness.

Positive Relationships
Gratitude; Forgiveness; Religion and spirituality.

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Positive Institutions
Applications in family, school, workplace and society; Meanings of
happiness across cultures.

Teaching/Learning Theories and concepts will be explained in lectures with the aid of real-
Methodology life examples, current affairs, movies, and other appropriate sources.
Students are also expected to participate in various interesting and
interactive class activities to develop a better understanding of aspects of
their psychological well-being and character development.

Class exercises and guided discussions will be used in tutorials to help

students consolidate the concepts and theories learned. Experiential
learning activities, problem-based learning tasks and group presentations
will also be conducted so as to enhance students’ awareness of applying
the knowledge in real-life settings in appreciation of the positive values
of living.

Assessment A variety of assessment tools will be used to develop and assess students’
Methods in achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes.
Alignment with
Specific assessment % Intended subject learning
Intended Learning methods/tasks weighting outcomes to be assessed
Outcomes
a b c
Continuous Assessment 100
▪ Test 25 ✓ ✓
▪ Individual Assignment 1 25 ✓ ✓
▪ Individual Assignment 2 10 ✓
▪ Group Project 30 ✓ ✓ ✓
▪ Participation 10 ✓ ✓ ✓
Total 100

To pass this subject, students are required to obtain Grade D or above in

the Continuous Assessment.

Test is used to consolidate students’ understanding of and ability to apply

the learned concepts, theories and research findings in daily life settings.

Individual assignments test deeper understanding of issues explored in the

course through explanation and application of theories and concepts
learnt.

Group project is used to assess students’ analytical and critical thinking

skills through formulation of a scientific study.

As for participation, students are expected to actively involve in

discussions and in-class activities during lectures and tutorials.

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Student Study Class contact Hours

Effort Expected
▪ Lecture 26

▪ Tutorial 13

Other student study effort

▪ Self-study 91

Total student study effort 130

Reading List and Recommended Textbook

References
There is no prescribed textbook for this subject. Readings can include
materials from the Internet and/or other materials from libraries.

References

Baumgardner, S. R., & Crothers, M. K. (2010). Positive psychology.

(International ed.). Pearson Education.

Cheung, P. (2011). Hope: Positive psychology for everyday living.

English Platform.

Compton, W. C., & Hoffman, E. (2020). Positive psychology: A

workbook for personal growth and well-being. SAGE Publications, Inc.

Compton, W. C., & Hoffman, E. (2020). Positive psychology: The science

of happiness and flourishing (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.

Corliss, J., & Ince, S. (2016). Positive psychology: Harnessing the power
of happiness, mindfulness, and inner strength. Harvard Health
Publications.

Lopez, S. J., Pedrotti, J. T., & Snyder, C. R. (2019). Positive psychology:

The scientific and practical explorations of human strengths. SAGE
Publications, Inc.

MacConville, R., & Rae, T. (2012). Building happiness, resilience and

motivation in adolescents: A positive psychology curriculum for well-
being. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and

virtues: A handbook and classification. American Psychological
Association & Oxford University Press, Inc.

Polly, S., & Britton, K. (2015). Character strengths matter: How to live
a full life. Positive Psychology News, LLC.

Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of

happiness and well-being. Free Press.

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江雪齡（2008）。《正向心理學 ─ 生活、工作和教學的實用》。
心理出版社股份有限公司。

陶兆輝與劉遠章（2017）。《正向教練學：正向心理學的人生技法
（第二版）》。明窗出版社有限公司。

湯國鈞、姚穎詩與邱敏儀（2010）。《喜樂工程：以正向心理學打
造幸福人生》。突破有限公司。

The Reading List and References are indicative. Relevant reading

materials will be suggested and assigned from time-to-time when they are
deemed appropriate.