SWB-X: The Science of Happiness

This undergraduate course at Singapore Management University’s School of Social Sciences taught by Associate Professor Christie Scollon examines the scientific research on happiness.  Using readings from psychology, economics, business, philosophy, and political science, we explore topics such as the measurement of happiness, the causes and consequences of happiness, happiness interventions, and happiness as an aim for society.  Students learn about empirical research on happiness and then translate the science into something useful for local community partners

Integrate research, learning, and practice

A cornerstone of the course is a group project which brings together students and our neighbouring community.  .

Shift the focus from teaching to learning

The projects connect students with local partners (e.g., businesses, community groups, NGOs, etc) giving students an experience beyond textbooks and the classroom while leveraging on SMU’s city campus.

What makes a class an SMU-X class?

All schools at SMU offer some SMU-X courses, each on a unique topic.  What unites all SMU-X classes are experiential learning and partnerships with our neighbouring community. 

What does the X stand for?

eXperimental
eXperiential
eXtreme
eXciting
​eXcellent

Examples of Student Projects

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Happify: A Game Based on the Science of Happiness
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Inside Out: Teaching Kindergarten Children about Emotions
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Science Meets Art