The Science of Generosity: Do Good…Feel Good

What does it mean to be generous? Can giving make you happier and healthier? In this course, we’ll hear from multiple experts and explore the many facets of generosity by looking closely at the meanings, traits, and motivations behind giving behaviors across communities and cultures. We’ll discuss how generosity contributes to our own happiness and well-being as well as the happiness and well-being of our loved ones, our local communities, and our global society. We won’t just talk about generosity: you’ll be able to do good and feel good -- without spending lots of time or money. You’ll have multiple opportunities for both doing and feeling good throughout the course and you’ll create a giving plan that helps you continue your generous acts into the future.

• Identify behaviors that demonstrate generosity and prosocial behaviorIdentify values, perceptions, and meanings of generosity in a variety of communities and culturesDescribe why “doing good” results in “feeling good”Describe motivations for generosity and prosocial behaviorReflect on giving strategies and their impactCreate a giving plan that supports continued generosity