FSEM 100G7 | Thriving in College: The Science of Positive Psychology

Image of many frowning balls and one in the center smiling.

This course focus on using the science of positive psychology to gain skills to help you thrive in college and ultimately in life. We will use the book “U Thrive,” which was written to help students apply positive psychology to their college experience. Throughout the semester you will find articles that focus on skills such as gratitude, cultivating strengths, developing a growth mindset, mindfulness, healthy eating, sleeping and exercise, and challenging negative thoughts.

You will read and summarize research articles on these topics and then apply the skills to your own life. You will also gain a better understanding of the scientific research process and learn how to analyze a research article for its strengths and limitations. There will also be a lot of opportunity to practice writing and speaking and get feedback so you can improve in these skills.

Since getting involved in college of life has been shown to help students thrive in college you will also be asked to get involved in college life throughout the semester and document your involvement (you will end the semester with a scrapbook of the fun you had during your first semester!). The format of the course will be a mix of discussions and presentations and will culminate in using the articles you have found to write a research paper about the interventions that were done throughout the semester.

There are multiple sections of this FSEM being taught. Two are taught by psychology faculty and will go more in depth in the psychology of positive psychology. The other two sections are taught by instructors that are not psychologists and will be more general by nature.  

Photo of Miriam Liss, Professor of Psychology

Miriam Liss, Professor of Psychology

I am a Professor of Psychological Science and have worked at UMW since 2001. I grew up in NYC and went to college at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. After graduation, I worked in Boston for a year, and then I went to graduate school and got a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Connecticut. My research interests are wide-ranging. I have published papers on body image and objectification, parenting styles, division of household labor, work-family balance, and what it means to label oneself as a feminist. I have also published many papers about aspects of positive psychology including on the benefits of self-compassion, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness. I have written two books - one was a book on work-family balance and happiness called Balancing The Big Stuff: Finding Happiness in Work, Family, and Life. The second is a textbook called Psychology of Women and Gender. My husband is a guidance counselor at Chancellor High School. We have two teenage kids who are into school and community theater. I also love singing and theater and can be found singing in local choirs and even sometimes performing in local community theater plays. I look forward to getting to know you this semester!

Photo of Erin Palmwood, Professor of Psychology

Erin Palmwood, Professor of Psychology

I’m a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at UMW. I’m also a UMW alum and took an FSEM during my first year, too! I love teaching students about mental health and helping them get set up for success in college and beyond. I also work with undergrads to conduct research on the neuroscience of romantic relationships, including how we can use brain activity to predict things like infidelity and breakups. In my clinical practice, I help clients manage anxiety, stress, depression, relationship problems, and difficulties during major life transitions (like starting college!). Outside of work, one of my favorite things to do is order DoorDash with my husband after our amazing and hilarious 1-year-old daughter goes to sleep.

Photo of Dan Hubbard, Associate Professor of Historic Preservation

Dan Hubbard, Associate Professor of Historic Preservation

I’ve enjoyed many careers, including patent examiner, technical translator, government “contractor” and auditor, and finally teaching at Mary Washington, where I’ve been since 1999. I am particularly interested in expanding the realm of auditing beyond its traditional base in accounting. Passionately dedicated to freedom and the right of self-determination, I am currently advising both the separatists of Québec and Catalunya, where I hope to retire once the Republic for which my grandfather died has been re-established.

Photo of Rita Dunston, Associate Provost and University Registrar

Rita Dunston, Associate Provost and University Registrar

Welcome to UThrive: The Science of Positive Psychology! I’m thrilled to invite you into a course designed to help you better understand what it means to flourish—both in college and beyond. I’ve worked at UMW for over 16 years and currently serve as the Associate Provost and University Registrar, but my journey began as a first-generation college student navigating an academic system that often felt overwhelming and complex. Those experiences shape my deep commitment to helping students overcome challenges, build confidence in self-navigation, and gain insight into happiness, purpose, and meaningful living. When I’m not on campus, I enjoy traveling, reading, playing board games, and spending time with family. I look forward to getting to know you this semester and exploring what it truly means to thrive.

Image Credit: Happiness by CreativeMagic [Pixabay user], cc01.0.