History of Wellbeing and Happiness
History · 3 hrs Lecture
Offered: Every Second Year
The calendar doesn't say which term this runs in. The sections below show the terms it actually runs in this year.
Hard to catch. Runs only every second year, and the calendar doesn't say which, confirm the next offering with the department before counting on it.
No prerequisites listed, you can take this course without prior coursework.
Description
This course introduces students to the history of the broad concept of wellbeing in its various historical iterations (e.g. good fortune, contentment, joy, self-care, happiness) in "the West" from Antiquity to the present. The students explore the intellectual, social, political, cultural, religious, medical, and ethical contexts in which wellbeing was imagined, defined, critiqued, or aspired to. Topics may include ancient and modern medical concepts of wellbeing, medieval mysticism, humanist and scientific utopias, alchemy and the philosopher's stone, romanticism, feminist critiques of the 'positive thinking' movement, and happiness as a human right.
From the 2026-27 undergraduate calendar. Always verify details on WebAdvisor or with an academic advisor before registering.