California University of Pennsylvania
Department of Earth Sciences
Parks & Recreation Program

REC 165 - Section 02
MWF@1-1:50PM (EBE 110)
Introduction to Recreation & Leisure

Spring Semester 2010


The Mystery of Happiness: Who Has It & How to Get It -- With John Stossel

The entire video (45 min) in 5 parts on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/) - see links below
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=CCD44C80BF0DD198&search_query=the+mystery+of+happiness

The Mystery of Happiness Video
Part 1 (8:27) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcT7wJgmYGE&feature=PlayList&p=CCD44C80BF0DD198&index=0
Part 2 (9:25) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o52a7eZABF4&feature=PlayList&p=CCD44C80BF0DD198&index=1
Part 3 (7:08) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLN6du_6JGY&feature=PlayList&p=CCD44C80BF0DD198&index=2
Part 4 (9:39) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAC4ieVf5zo&feature=PlayList&p=CCD44C80BF0DD198&index=3
Part 5 (9:32) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRzNHfqeStM&feature=PlayList&p=CCD44C80BF0DD198&index=4

After you watch the video, ask friends & family members: What is Happiness?, Using the "Happiness Scale" described in the video, How happy are they? & What makes them happy?
Take notes we will discuss your findings in class on Wednesday, Sept, 9.


John Stossel examines the pursuit of happiness in this special. Several factors that seem to help people achieve happiness are discussed including control, optimism, humor, and close relationships. Stossel presents scientific data suggesting that due to genetics some people are actually born happy.  He along with a number of experts attempt to define happiness; questions if it can be attained through fame, money or love; and examines the idea that some people are predisposed to be happy.

David Myers of the Hope College faculty discussed happiness on this ABC News Special on Happiness

Myers is the author of the book "The Pursuit of Happiness: Who Is Happy--and Why," which was published in 1992 and reviews the work of hundreds of social scientists and others, and identifies what predicts people's experiences of happiness and satisfaction with life. He has conducted further research into the topic with colleague Ed Diener of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, who is also interviewed on the program.

Read a short summary and review of the show by Roger L. Winter, a California psychotherapist (http://www.rogerlwinter.com/happiness.htm)
This is a very good review of the video and discusses all of the important points (hint, hint).

Read a longer article that looks at this video along with a lot of other published information http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Pantheon/8320/HAPPNSS.htm


Instructor: Dr. John Confer
Office: 265 EBE, Eberly Sciences and Technology Center
Office Hours: Mon, Wed & Fri 2:00–3:00 PM; Mon & Wed 5:15-6:15 PM
or by appointment (
E-mail for appointment)
Office Phone: (724) 938-4211
E-mail:
confer@calu.edu
Website: http://workforce.calu.edu/confer/
*Students are encouraged to Email questions*

Class Meets: Mon., Wed. & Fri. 1:00-1:50 PM
255 EBE, Eberly Sciences and Technology Center