What if you could teach happiness?

That’s the idea behind a new addition to the curriculum at Abu Dhabi University (ADU) in the nation’s capital.

The new course, called Introduction to Happiness and Positive Psychology, aims to give students “an understanding in the advances of positive psychology, well-being and happiness in order to enable students to understand how positive psychology strategies can enable individuals to reach their highest potential,” according to Dr Deena Al Sori, chair, Department of Applied Sciences and Mathematics, who quoted in an article from Gulf News.

Rather than relying on exams and studying, the course is largely experiential and includes various group activities, student interactions and practical homework designed to help promote the power of positivity.

“We are confident that this first-of-its-kind course will help our students focus better on their individual well-being.” added Dr Al Sori.

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The approval of the course by the Ministry of Education comes on the heels of 2017 being officially branded as the “Year of Happiness” by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE.

Last year also saw the appointment of HE Ohoud Bint Khalfan Al Roumi as the Minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing in the UAE, with the government looking to place the country amongst the top five countries in terms of happiness by 2021.

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