Happiness Project

You'll create a project in one of a few different formats to evaluate one or more of Haidt's argument's from The Happiness Hypothesis in the context of your own life experiences.

Due Monday October 19th

Content

• Choose one idea or argument present in the Happiness Hypothesis
• Reflect on a personal experience that relates to this concept.  It could be a small but persistent problem, a positive past experience, or a major life crisis.   
• Dig deeply and be authentic
• Make sure to strongly tie the event to Haidt's argument
• Offer specific ways in which you think you can alter your behavior
• Relate the problem / methods of improvement to at least one of the following philosophical groups/people:  Stoics, Epicureans, Aristotle.     

Formats

• Written Essay
• Five pages minimum
• Double Spaced
• Standard font (either Calibri 11 or Times New Roman 12)
• Examples:  Patrick Moore, Shannon Joyce, Maddie Martin
• Presentation
• About 8 to 12 minutes long
• A live presentation to the class
• Contains visual elements via PowerPoint, props, poster
• Should have at least one interactive element
• Video 
• About 4 to 6 minutes long
• May involve other people (as cameramen, supporting roles), but should still focus on your own experience.  You should be the focus of the video.
• Could contain a variety of formats:
• You talking to a camera
• Dramatic reenactments
• Images with voiceover
• Supporting video clips (sparingly)
• Other genius ideas
• Examples:  Molly Spillman, Julianna Gesiotto
• Podcast
• About 8 to 12 minutes long
• Example: Nate Self
• Other Suggestions

Some Past Topics

• Hobbies, interests, clubs, social connections
• Friendships and relationships
• Loss and death
• Family difficulties
• School pressures and academic struggles
• Career plans
• College preparation
• Injury and illness