HU300: Happiness Welcome to our seventh seminar! We will begin on time. Feel free to chat until then

Finding inspiration I know but one freedom and that is the freedom of the mind.~ Antoine de Saint- ExuperyI know but one freedom and that is the freedom of the mind. Joy can be real only if people look upon their life as a service, and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness. ~ Leo Tolstoy Hope is itself a species of happiness, and perhaps, the chief happiness which this world affords. ~ Samuel Johnson

Read the chapters “Happiness” (9) in The Art of Being Human. Discussion Board –Answer the question and post responses to at least two classmates. –Notice that there is only one thread this week, so you’ll post a total of 3 messages (1 original, 2 peer responses). Unit 7 Project due Tuesday at midnight ET Unit 7 Work

Unit 7 Project: Part I Prepare and conduct interviews with two people about their definition of happiness, how they gained this view, and whether they feel happiness is achievable. Choose two people who vary in age and experience. Only one of the subjects can be someone you know well. This is an opportunity to learn about acquaintances and strangers as well. These should be face-to-face interviews.

Unit 7 Project Con’t. Begin this project by introducing each subject one at a time. Who are they? What is the nature of your relationship? Next, ask a variety of questions to get them to consider not just their definition of happiness, but its origins and development. Some sample questions to get you started: Has your definition of happiness changed over time? What experiences have influenced your definition? Do you expect the definition to change again? You will submit a transcript of the interview, including your questions, so take notes or record the discussion.

Unit 7 Project: Part II You should draw conclusions about the process and the answers that were given. Compare and contrast the results of the interviews. Discuss what was similar or different in the replies, whether the subjects were honest, or if the concept of happiness was difficult to define. The essay should be at least 750 words and should employ terms from the text. The project may be completed in Microsoft Word or in Powerpoint. However, the assignment word count must be communicated on Powerpoint notes or slides. Cite any sources in APA formatting.

Brainstorming Topics Have you decided whom you will interview? What might make good questions?

Guidelines for the Unit 7 Project Be sure that you answer the questions and stay on topic. Be sure that you answer the questions and stay on topic. Take time to brainstorm, draft, and organize your thoughts. Take time to brainstorm, draft, and organize your thoughts. Analyze the results of your interviews. Analyze the results of your interviews. Offer clear, frequent examples. Offer clear, frequent examples. Refer to concepts and facts from the text and/or our discussions. Refer to concepts and facts from the text and/or our discussions.

More Guidelines Leave time to revise your work. Leave time to revise your work. Proofread carefully and make sure the essay shows your best thinking and writing. Proofread carefully and make sure the essay shows your best thinking and writing. Write at least 750 words(the minimum length). If you get stuck, ask yourself questions and answer them. Pretend that you are the reader. What else would you like to know? Write at least 750 words(the minimum length). If you get stuck, ask yourself questions and answer them. Pretend that you are the reader. What else would you like to know?

Even More Guidelines Read the grading rubric and project guidelines before, during, and after you write the project. Read the grading rubric and project guidelines before, during, and after you write the project. Ask me any questions you have. Ask me any questions you have. Visit the Writing Center or read your paper to a friend/family member. Visit the Writing Center or read your paper to a friend/family member. If you use outside sources (you don’t have to), be sure to cite them correctly. If you use outside sources (you don’t have to), be sure to cite them correctly. Submit on time. Submit on time. Be creative! Challenge yourself! Have fun Be creative! Challenge yourself! Have fun

Inspiration Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think. Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think. --Benjamin Disraeli --Benjamin Disraeli

Happiness What is happiness? What does it mean to be happy? What is “the good life?”

What does happiness look like? Is it a life filled with pleasure, regardless of how that is achieved? Is it a moral life? Is it a life defined by achievement on the admiration of others? What do you think?

Theories of happiness Hedonism Aristippus vs. Aristotle and Plato Carpe Diem

Hedonism Con’t What are some of the problems with or critiques of Hedonism?

Epicureanism Epicurus ( B.C.E) Revision of Hedonism What problems do you see with this philosophy of happiness?

Stoicism What is stoicism? What is stoicism? Greek and Roman roots Greek and Roman roots Examples of stoicism in literature Examples of stoicism in literature

Aristotelian Happiness Aristotle sees happiness as the quality of a whole lifetime Happiness is not found in the moments of everyday life It is a state or condition that arises when we know we have lived (or are living) a good life dominated by reason and virtue.

Eastern Philosophy Happiness is not something that is sought after; it is a state or condition Eastern religions Meditation, release from suffering, inner peace

Happiness How have your ideas about happiness changed after reading the text? Do you think these theories and philosophies are still relevant today? How do you see them reflected in our culture or in your own personal life?

Libraries and Literacy Nepal: A Girl’s Life--Video about adding libraries and increasing literacy in Nepal. What creates happiness here? What is the definition for the children, the donors, and the community?

Broadening Perspectives We are over half way through the term. We are over half way through the term. Studying the Humanities opens our eyes to the world around us. Suddenly, allusions we hear in everyday speech or see in film, on t.v., or in books come alive with meaning. Studying the Humanities opens our eyes to the world around us. Suddenly, allusions we hear in everyday speech or see in film, on t.v., or in books come alive with meaning. Have you experienced that? Have you experienced that? Has this class deepened your perceptions of the world around you? (I’ll ask the same question at the end of the course…) Has this class deepened your perceptions of the world around you? (I’ll ask the same question at the end of the course…)

The Show is Over! Please me with any questions or concerns you have about the course. See you on the DB!!