Final Paper: Find a topic to research that has a relation to happiness. This will be a 5-7 research paper on the findings of happiness. Then, present in class 5 minutes of the findings of the research paper you proposed (or 3-5 page paper on findings of research but then a 10-15 minute activity involving the research of your findings during my presentation, recommend the first option.)
For this paper you have two options:
Option 1: A 5-7 page research paper (please see below for details) with a 5 min presentation about the findings of your paper.
Option 2: a 3-5 page researched paper about an topic or activity that you will bring to class for us to learn about and/or do. In this option you are teaching the class for 10-15 minutes about something you learned about happiness. The paper explains the topic/activity in detail and shows the research that supports this topic or activity.
Option 1:
The authors we have read this semester have taken their own interest in and experience of happiness and created very different texts. You have also been asked to try several of the “scientifically proven” methods from these sources and examine their impact on your happiness. Now it is your turn to join the discussion.
Paper four is the final step in this class—you will determine what you want to explore and focus the essay (as if it were a chapter of a book on happiness). You might select something that is important to you and your (potential) major about happiness that we haven’t talked about in class. For example, if you are a business major, you might look at the impact and the ethics of wellness apps. If you are pre-med, you might look at the importance of self-care for doctors. This paper MUST be under the umbrella of happiness.
Academic tone or personal essay are both options for this paper.
Option 2:
This is a chance for you to teach the class about something you have learned or are learning. The paper is an explanation of the topic / activity you are bringing to class. This will be a less formal piece of writing that explains the what, why and how of your presentation.
For example, students have brought in a meditative activity like origami, bracelet making, etc. and had the class do the activity. After the activity, there was a discussion with the class about the impact of the activity. Another student did an exercise with color and sound and then taught the class about the impact of sound waves and light waves on the brain for well-being. This is chance for you to be creative.
Note: This activity has to be respectful of a classroom environment (there are limits as to what you can bring to class–no drugs, alcohol, etc.) and have options for students who may not feel comfortable with intense group activity.
Details for Option 1 and 2:
Please don’t select something because it is “easy.” Select something that relates happiness to your larger academic and/or personal interests. A successful paper and presentation will examine both the topic and why it is significant to you. I do not want an “everything I know about X” paper, but a paper that takes a topic and analyzes an aspect of happiness that you’d like to research.
In both cases, think about all the skills you have been working on this semester to add to your “writer’s tool kit.” Consider thesis, paragraphing, voice, tone, audience. Also think about defining terms, using quotes/paraphrases/summaries, analysis/synthesis, as well as narrative, compare and contrast, academic, etc. This is your time to put your skills to work!
The Details:
5-7 page or 3-5 page options:—this does not include the works cited pages. You will need at least 5 sources that you either quote directly, summarize, or paraphrase (MLA Citations).
Sources include books, magazines, newspapers, academic journals, but do not forget about interviews, documentaries, websites, and databases. It should go without saying, but you should not use all live or internet sources; in fact, please keep internet sources (websites and blogs) to 1/3 or less of your total. You must have ONE source that has scientific evidence (from an academic journal, paper, etc.).
A variety of points of view, as well as a variety of modes to your research is a perfectly appropriate and absolutely commendable thing to strive for. Also, you may only use one source from our class. However, you may use other sources by the authors and speakers we have read/viewed in our class
