course-details-portlet

PSY3231

Positive psychology, learning and motivation

New from the academic year 2025/2026

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Assignment

About

About the course

Course content

The course presents central theories within positive psychology, learning and motivation with an emphasis on how the theories can be applied in various areas of life. The subject will thematise connections between learning and motivation at an individual level and societal challenges linked to the implementation and use of new technology.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The student has advanced knowledge of psychological perspectives within positive psychology, learning and motivation, including flow, grit, growth mindset, self-efficacy and compassion.

The student can analyze academic issues based on the subject's history, traditions, uniqueness and place in society.

Skills:

The student has acquired an ability for scientific thinking/reflection that includes perspectives in positive psychology, learning and motivation

The student can formulate their reflections in writing and orally. -the student must be able to understand how the aforementioned perspectives can be applied in practice, also in new areas.

The student has acquired an understanding of the applicability of scientific theories in general, and of the strengths and limitations of theories within positive psychology, learning and motivation.

The student can carry out an independent and critical reading of scientific literature, be able to convey the central subject material in writing and thereby shed light on the subject's issues and be able to communicate about academic issues both with specialists and the public.

The students must be able to contribute to new thinking in innovation processes related to society's challenges such as increased technology and the use of AI.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and student-active teaching in the form of professional seminars and oral presentations

Compulsory assignments

  • 60% attendance at 5 discussion seminars. Students must attend 3 out of 5.

Further on evaluation

The final exam consists of submitting a written assignment of approx. 3,000 words in which the student explores how selected perspectives can be applied in given social contexts

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Psychology (MPSY)

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
PSY3120 7.5 sp Autumn 2025
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Psychology

Contact information

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Psychology

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Assignment
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Assignment
Weighting 100/100 Date Submission 2025-12-15 Time Submission 14:00 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Assignment
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment