SEMINAR: A group of advanced students studying with a professor, each doing original research (empirical and/or library work) and all exchanging results through reports and discussions. (Webster's Collegiate Dictionary).

READINGS: E. E. Chang (Ed.).(2000): Optimism and Pessimism: Implications for Theory, Research and Practice. Washington, D. C.: APA Press.

Selected readings on reserve, as announced in class.

ASSIGNMENTS:
Seminar class participation (20%)
Individual seminar presentations & related materials(20%)
Reading quiz (20%)
Final paper (40%)

TOPIC SCHEDULE:

9/11 Organizational meeting- Folk defns. of optimism and pessimism

For next week: read Preface, Forward, Ch. 1 & 2 in Chang book

9/18 Varieties of Optimism & Pessimism: Historical & trait constructs

For next week: Chang Ch. 3, 4, & Taylor & Brown, 1988 rdg on reserve.

9/25 Varieties, cont: Attributional style, positive illusions, strategies

For next week: Chang Ch. 5, 8 & 13

10/2 Related constructs and the psychological context of O/P

For next week:Chang Ch. 6, 7 & 9

10/9 FALL BREAK- NO CLASS

10/11 This Wednesday is a Monday

How does it work? O/P and Well-being

For next week: Chang Ch. 10, 11 & 12

10/16 How does it work? Beyond Well-being

For next week: Chang Ch. 14, 15 & 16

10/23 Beyond Folk Wisdom: Culture, Context and Application of O/P Research

10/30 QUIZ ON READINGS & CONSTRUCTS

11/6 Student presentations begin

11/13 Student presentations, cont.

11/20 " " " " "

11/27 " " " " "

12/4 Last class wrap-up

**FINAL PAPERS DUE AT 4:30 p.m. on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19th.**

THIS IS A COLLEGE DEADLINE, AND IS NOT IN THE LEAST BIT FLEXIBLE

Papers should either be handed to me personally, or handed in to Pat Paul in SCI 466.

DO NOT LEAVE PAPERS or ASSIGNMENTS IN MY MAILBOX.

Plagiarism is a violation of the College honor code, (as well as a serious ethical violation generally) and will be dealt with via the College Judiciary. No credit will be given for plagiarized work, and credit for the course will be in jeopardy if plagiarism is confirmed. Plagiarism is the use of another author’s words and/or ideas, without clear attribution to that author. If you have any doubt about what constitutes plagiarism (and many students do!), please talk to me.

YOU MUST KEEP A COPY OF YOUR PAPER.

This class requires your active participation on a regular basis throughout the term. If you will not be able to attend the vast majority of classes, or to devote your energy and attention to the class while present, you should not take the course this term.

WELCOME TO THE EXPERIMENT!

coming soon!