Week+Two


 * Lecture and class discussion- Veruca Salt clip: Why might she be approaching life in a way that leads away from happiness? **
 * Hedonistic Treadmill- Discuss this idea in relation to American consumerism. Is globalization impacting the rest of the world by promoting consumerism? What role does money play in relation to happiness? **

Activity: For the next week, attempt to live with less. Take daily notes about your cravings for material things. Is there a healthy habit you could cultivate that would lead to the same feeling of satisfaction? For instance, instead of choosing to shop at the mall, could you choose to stay home and read a book, chat with friends, take a walk? Discuss the experiment at week's end through an online post and respond to at least one other posting.


 * Extended Online Readings and Discussion: **

[|Break the Rules] Discussion: Think about the ways in which we let others approval or disapproval of us impact our happiness. Is there a way out of the disapproval trap? Share thoughts online and respond to at least one other classmate's posting.

[|Quotes on Being Yourself] Discussion: Share a time when you conformed to other's expectations and regretted it. Did your actions lead to unhappiness? Why? Post your thoughts online and respond to at least one other classmate's posting.

[|Err in the Direction of Kindness] Discussion: Kindness leads to happiness only when we put our personal egos aside and it's not just for show. This week, write three anonymous notes to members of the school community in which you offer a sincere compliment to them and discreetly leave the notes. At the end of your experiment, reflect about the experience and share your thoughts in an online posting. Respond to at least one other classmate's posting.

[|True Happiness Rarely Lies at the Bottom of a Shopping Bag]