POL1050 : Politics of Happiness
POL1050 : Politics of Happiness
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr David Walker
- Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The aims in this module are to introduce and teach:
• perspectives on happiness
• how wellbeing can be promoted and maintained at individual and societal levels
• the political theory and practice relating to happiness or wellbeing
• critical consideration of political theories and practices relating to happiness
• elements of reflective learning
• team-working and presentation skills
Outline Of Syllabus
• The Meaning of Happiness
• Actions for Happiness
• Philosophy of Happiness in the Ancient Greek World
• Utilitarianism
• Economics and Happiness
• Politics of Happiness Around the World: UK; Bhutan; Ubuntu; Sumak Kawsay/Buen Vivir
• Reflective Learning
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
The intended knowledge outcomes are:
• Knowledge of perspectives on wellbeing, and activities and practices that promote it
• Awareness of reflective learning theory and practice
• Knowledge of key ideas, thinkers, schools of thought, and political practice relating to wellbeing
• An understanding of how these ideas, thinkers, schools of thought, and political practices relate or stand in relation to one another
• A critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of political ideas and practices relating to wellbeing
• An awareness of the role and significance of happiness/wellbeing in contemporary politics
Intended Skill Outcomes
The intended skill outcomes for students are to develop their critical-analytical ability, their written and oral communication skills, planning and organisational skills, team-working, and reflective learning ability.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 148:00 | 148:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | PiP |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 9 | 2:00 | 18:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | PiP |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures introduce students to the key themes, concepts, policies and practices relating to politics of wellbeing.
The seminars allow for participation by students in clarifying and exploring key ideas and issues. These help to develop critical-analytical, team-work and oral communication skills.
Coursework will help to develop critical-analytical skills, written communication skills, and reflective learning ability.
Planning and organisational skills are developed throughout module, along with attainment of knowledge outcomes relating to politics of happiness and individual wellbeing.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective log | 1 | M | 55 | 1800 words |
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | 25 | 10 minute group presentation grade with alternative assignment for students unable to do this. |
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | M | 20 | Seminar participation |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The professional skills assessments will encourage student engagement with seminar work, and promote oral communication, planning and organisation skills, reading and critical analysis.
The oral presentation assessment will help to develop teamwork, interpersonal skills, oral communication, presentation skills, planning and organisation skills, reading and critical analysis.
The reflective report will promote reflective learning and individual wellbeing. The focus will be on weekly non-assessed wellbeing activities and elements of the module material and seminar activities found particularly interesting by students.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- POL1050's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- POL1050's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.