Build the Campus You Want
Students and faculty are craving a new way forward, in which they can enjoy a greater sense of meaning, purpose, and life satisfaction, with civility and an openness to others rather than falling prey to hatred, fear, and rage.
You're invited to begin a journey toward greater happiness by establishing a more positive campus culture and building an appetite for learning.
Making happiness a campus theme
Partners will have access to a series of resources designed to support first-year reading and orientation programs, as well as other campus-wide reading with content based on Arthur’s bestselling book Build the Life You Want, co-authored with Oprah Winfrey. Build the Life You Want contains the highest-quality academic research across disciplines from social psychology to neuroscience, but is written for general audiences, and is thus ideal for students at all levels and from diverse backgrounds. As a supplement to bulk orders of Build the Life You Want, a robust curriculum is available to include:
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Deep bulk discounts on book purchases for student participants.
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Student Reading Guide: This guide, written by a recent college graduate, prepares students to engage thoughtfully with the material before they begin reading, highlighting potential questions and reflections. It also provides facilitators with an overview of key concepts and emphasizes key discussion topics to reinforce engagement and learning. Download the Student Reading Guide.
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"Course in a box" materials which provide a suite of resources for a full classroom course based on Build the Life You Want. These materials can be easily adapted for small group meetings, book clubs, staff professional development sessions, or for the inclusion of key content in other courses.
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Facilitator’s Guide: Offers detailed, step-by-step guidance on using the Lesson Plans.
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Lesson Plans: Seven lessons align with the chapters of Build the Life You Want and include:
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A video snippet of authors Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey discussing the main theme of the lesson
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Key discussion points, required materials, and common questions
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A quiz and answer key
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Activities designed to prompt discussion and reflection
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Want to learn more? Contact us if you are interested in the full suite of resources.
We're thrilled to be working with the University of Mississippi as they roll out Build the Life You Want as their 2024 common read.
Introducing a Happiness curriculum
Partners will be invited to attend the annual, in-person Leadership and Happiness Symposium conducted by Arthur Brooks and hosted by the Leadership and Happiness Laboratory at the Harvard Kennedy School. The training at the Symposium covers:
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Introduction to social science, neuroscience, and principles of happiness, taught by Arthur and other leading academics in the field
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Syllabus discussion review
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Lectures from Arthur's Leadership and Happiness course
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Class simulations
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Overview of pedagogical methods
Partners may also access the "How to Create and Teach a Happiness Class" guide with examples of syllabi, supporting research and case studies, surveys and data collection tools, and other materials to support faculty in creating courses that reflect a whole person approach to the science of happiness and well being.
A regular in-person presence on campus
Arthur works with a limited number of institutions via in-person campus visits which are extremely popular with students and faculty alike. This can include a mix of the following activities:
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Keynote campus events
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Guest lectures on happiness in political science, economics, and business classes
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Participation in roundtable discussions with community and faith leaders
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Public lectures for the broader community on topics related to happiness
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Advising relevant institutes and centers on campus
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Consultation with university President, administrators, and trustees