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This course is designed to explore the research methods, principles, techniques, and theories of Positive Psychology as they apply to the tasks and strategies of life in Denmark and Sweden. Scandinavian countries are consistently ranked as the happiest countries in the world. The focus of this course will be to discover what it is about these societies that lead their citizens to be so happy. Two themes will guide our activities: (1) the general principles of positive psychology and (2) cultural differences in their application. In examining the food, culture, art, business practices and daily life in these countries, we will explore the basis for their very high life satisfaction ratings. We will examine current societal challenges taking place in Denmark and Sweden in order to consider the ways in which a happy place does not equate to a perfect place. Activities will include an exploration of “Hygge,” the Danish concept of “coziness/contentment” and "arbejdsglæde,” the Scandinavian concept of happiness at work. We will also travel north of the arctic circle to experience the darkness of Swedish winter and the winter sports and activities that are integral to it. We will also experience awe at the stark natural beauty of the region. Weather permitting, we will search for the Northern Lights from one of the best vantage points in the world.

• October TBD: (required) Course Overview and Initial Orientation and Gear Information Meeting and Initial Cold Weather Gear Check
• October TBD: (optional) Trip to Columbia store
• December TBD: (required) Evening outdoor (cold weather) walk in gear/ Final gear check

Week 1

• Friday, Jan. 2 and Saturday, Jan. 3: Class meetings
  Class topics: Positive Emotions and Thoughts, Applications
• Monday, Jan. 5: Depart from SFO
• Tuesday, Jan. 6- Sunday January 11: Copenhagen
  Activities will include:
  • Walking tour
  • Baking Class: Danish Pastries
  • Danish Architecture Center
  • Canal Tour
  • Museum Tours
  • Company visits

Week 2

• Monday, Jan. 11 - Thursday, Jan. 15: Stockholm
  Activities will include:
  • Food Tour
  • Sauna and Spa
  • Museum Tours
  • Company visits
• Friday Jan. 16 - Sunday, Jan. 18: Abisko
  Activities will include:
  • Overnight train into Arctic Circle
  • Afternoon walk, Nighttime walk or (possible) chair lift ride
  • Seeking the Northern Lights, photo tour
  • Choice of various winter activities (e.g., dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice climbing)

Week 3

• Sunday Jan 18 - Tuesday, Jan. 20: Copenhagen
  • Farewell to Scandinavia activities
  • Work on final presentation
• Tuesday, Jan. 20: Depart from Copenhagen, Arrive at SFO
• Wednesday, Jan. 21: On campus/home writing day
  Class topic: On making sense of it all
• Thursday, Jan. 22 and Friday, Jan. 23 
  Student final presentations
• Final thoughts for the course

Course Fee: TBD
Learn about the Jan Term Travel Scholarship for additional funding.

The fee includes:
Airfare, Local Transportation, Lodging, Meals, Excursions (e.g., museums, tours, etc.), Gratuity, Travel Insurance ($35/student - international classes only), Miscellaneous

Estimated cost outside of course fee:
The cost to students outside the course fee is not expected to be greater than $400, and in reality should be much less than this. However, the additional cost will be largely dependent on two student-specific factors: (1) The gear and clothing that students already own or are able to borrow. Students will need to provide their own cold-weather clothing, which if they do not own will add an additional cost. We will provide a detailed packing list at the information sessions along with the estimated costs to purchase these items so that students can make informed decisions about the costs they will incur before enrolling. We will also help students identify lower cost options for obtaining the necessary gear. (2) There will be opportunities for students to participate in activities outside of the scheduled itinerary, but these will be completely optional. For instance, in Abisko, students will be able to participate in additional activities if they choose; or in Copenhagen and Stockholm, students may want to buy souvenirs or additional food beyond what is budgeted in. These costs would be additional to the course fee but will again be completely optional.