2. Introduction to Wellbeing (Guest Speaker: Professor Sarah Stewart-Brown, WMS): Through a pre-recorded video, Sarah will introduce students to the different perspectives on wellbeing favoured by the different disciplines and discuss the way these influence the measurement of wellbeing, research methodologies and approaches to improving wellbeing at the personal and population levels.

3. Self-Maintenance with Jaeda Goodman and Anna Zabaronski, Psychological Therapists, Wellbeing Support Services

In this session we will explore some of the challenges of maintaining wellbeing in modern westernised society and consider some of the evidence based strategies for optimal wellbeing. In the second half of the session, students will be involved in ‘out of the classroom’ activities that will allow them to discover and reflect on the relationships between the theories presented by Jaeda and Anna and the daily life on campus (e.g. reflective visit to a campus canteen/café, the Library, etc.).

4. The Science of Wellbeing

In this session you will work with:Professor Sarah Stewart-Brown, WMS

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  Week Three - The Science of WellbeingBook

  AvailabilityHidden from students

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  Sarah Stewart Brown The Science of Wellbeing PresentationFile

5. Economics of Wellbeing (Guest Speaker: Dr Redzo Mujcic, WBS): In this session, we will explore whether money buys happiness (and if not, why not?). We will also explore what matters more to our wellbeing between economics and non-economics factors, and how we could spend our money wisely to boost wellbeing.

6. Emotions and Wellbeing

In this session you will work with Dr Lorenzo Serini (Department of Philosophy, Warwick)

In this session you will:

• explore the nature of emotion in relation to other psychological constructs (e.g. feeling/sensation, mood and temperament);
• think about the relationship between emotions and wellbeing
• learn about the ancient conception (and practice) of philosophy as a way of life - as an art of living or spiritual exercise - which is largely dedicated to an education of the emotions.

We will return to, and use, the ancient concept of Eudaimonia. You should be familiar with Eudaimonic Wellbeing by now, but here is a helpful blog entry on the history of the concept:

https://positivepsychology.com/eudaimonia/#historyLink opens in a new window

Moreover, in class we will read the Preface of The Happiness Industry by William Davies. If you want, you can read it in advance. You can find a pdf copy below.

7. Wellbeing and Failure 

This session will be led by Professor Jonathan Heron (IATL)Link opens in a new window

• In this session you will:

1. Reflect upon issues of mental and physical health in relation to the interdisciplinary subject of failure;
2. Consider critiques of the wellbeing agenda and challenge conventional narratives of success and wellness;
3. Analyse case studies that will draw upon the creative arts as well as medical and social models of disability in order to consider ‘failing better’ as a strategy for wellbeing.

PLEASE NOTE: YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO COMPLETE ANY READING IN ADVANCE OF THIS SESSION. We will, however, consider the following question during the session so you may like to think about it before we meet:

8. Physical Activity and Wellbeing

Session led by George Chowrimootoo, Health and Fitness Manager, Warwick Sport

In this session, students will explore the role of sport and physical activity in relation to wellbeing. Before analysing the theoretical underpinning, students will take part in a simple mood rating task before and after participating in an ‘out of the classroom’ ‘mindful’ physical activity (e.g. Yoga and/or Tai Chi) and a higher intensity physical activity (i.e. circuits, boxercise). Students will use this experience to reflect on the immediate and short-term impact of physical activity on mood and the role of regular physical activity for promoting wellbeing and the relationships between wellbeing and physical activity, exercise and sport.

9. The Arts, Therapy and Wellbeing

In this session you will work with: James Kirk, Art Psychotherapist

In this session you will:

• Think about the relationship between art, health, wellbeing;
• Learn about art therapy;
• Practically engage with art therapy activities

James will be looking at ways that creativity and visual arts can be used as an outlet for everyone to create a positive mental attitude, and mental wellbeing on a day to day basis. At the beginning of the session, students will be directly involved in a practical workshop that will help them to understand this particular relationship while also reflecting on their personal experience.

Trigger Warning: During the session we will be asked to reflect on our wellbeing. If, for any reason, you feel uncomfortable you can stop engaging in the exercise/practice/experience. If you need further help and support please contact the Warwick Wellbeing ServicesLink opens in a new window.

10. Epilogue: The Good Life

Led by Paul Prescott

Students who so wish will have the opportunity to use again the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) for positively assessing their wellbeing at the end of the courseLink opens in a new window

Level 5 (IL028) By the end of the module you will have:

• Recognised the multifaceted and rounded nature of ‘wellbeing’ and the importance of a holistic approach to it in order to have a better understanding of such a complex topic.
• Demonstrated a good theoretical knowledge and understanding of disciplinary theories, positions (including critique to wellbeing agenda and practices) and research themes related to the field of wellbeing.
• Recognised the problems, limitations and issues connected to the theories, practices and research themes of wellbeing
• Appreciated the value of adopting inter-disciplinary approaches and research methods for understanding global topics such as wellbeing and attempt to find a solution to difficult issues.
• Summarised ideas from the different disciplinary backgrounds for exploring potential inter- and trans- disciplinary answers to the various questions that will be presented during the module and to problems that students will identify during their personal learning process and research.
• Formulated relevant questions and engage in personal and collaborative attempts to answer them in an informed manner via independent and collaborative research to develop inter- and trans-disciplinary ideas.

Level 6 (IL128) By the end of the module you will have:

• Displayed a deep and critical understanding of the multifaceted and rounded nature of ‘wellbeing’ and the importance of a holistic approach to it in order to have a better understanding of such a complex topic.
• Demonstrated a deep and critical understanding of abstract and complex theories concerning the themes of the module.
• Critically evaluated the problems, limitations and issues connected to the theories, practices and research themes of wellbeing
• Appreciated the value of adopting inter-disciplinary approaches and research methods for understanding global topics such as wellbeing and engage in imaginative and novel attempts to find a solution to complex problems.
• Independently evaluated ideas from the different disciplinary backgrounds for exploring potential inter- and trans- disciplinary answers to the various questions that will be presented during the module and to problems that students will identify during their personal learning process and research.
• Formulated imaginative and novel questions and engage in personal and collaborative attempts to answer them through via independent and collaborative research to develop inter- and trans-disciplinary ideas.

Transferable Skills:

Active listening, Complex problem solving, Critical reflection, Independent working skills, Interpersonal and communication, Management of learning, Research skills, Self-management and resilience, Team working