Module Catalogue

POL1050 : Politics of Happiness

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
  • Module Leader(s): Dr David Walker
  • Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

The aims in this module are to introduce and teach:

•       perspectives on happiness
•       how wellbeing can be promoted and maintained at individual and societal levels
•       the political theory and practice relating to happiness or wellbeing
•       critical consideration of political theories and practices relating to happiness
•       elements of reflective learning

Outline Of Syllabus

•       The Meaning of Happiness
•       Actions for Happiness
•       Philosophy of Happiness in the Ancient Greek World
•       Utilitarianism
•       Economics and Happiness
•       Politics and Happiness
•       Measuring Happiness
•       Politics of Happiness Around the World: UK; Bhutan; Ubuntu; Sumak Kawsay/Buen Vivir
•       Reflective Learning

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion1148:00148:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture201:0020:00PiP
Structured Guided LearningStructured research and reading activities92:0018:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching111:0011:00PiP
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery31:003:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures introduce students to the key themes, concepts, policies and practices relating to politics of wellbeing.
The seminars allow for participation by students in clarifying and exploring key ideas and issues. These help to develop critical-analytical and oral communication skills.
Coursework will help to develop critical-analytical skills, written communication skills, and reflective learning ability. Planning and organisational skills are developed throughout module, along with attainment of knowledge outcomes relating to politics of happiness and individual wellbeing.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Reflective log1M551800 words
Oral Presentation1M2510 minute group presentation grade with alternative assignment for students unable to do this.
Prof skill assessmnt1M20Seminar participation
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The professional skills assessments will encourage student engagement with seminar work, and promote oral communication, planning and organisation skills, reading and critical analysis.
The oral presentation assessment will help to develop teamwork, interpersonal skills, oral communication, presentation skills, planning and organisation skills, reading and critical analysis.
The reflective report will promote reflective learning and individual wellbeing. The focus will be on weekly non-assessed wellbeing activities and elements of the module material and seminar activities found particularly interesting by students.

Reading Lists

Timetable