What is LifeDesign?
LifeDesign: The Art & Science of Human Floruishing is a 3-credit course in the Keough School of Global Affairs that satisfies the unviersity requirement: Ways of Knowing.
An opportunity to develop mindsets, skillsets, relationships, and habits that will help you foster a more joyful and purposeful life.
This course is organized around a series of questions:
How might we develop mindsets, skillsets, and habits to foster a more joyful, purposeful life?
How do these ideas relate to creating a flourishing life, one filled with deep satisfaction, well-being, and resilience?
What can we learn from science, the humanities, and global experiences about the varieties of human flourishing?
How do explorations of one’s own flourishing connect with larger questions of promoting human flourishing in a global context?
based in science
This course does not assume it will give “the right answer,” but rather will expose students to good science (from psychology, behavioral science, and neuroscience) and give them a space to try out practical ideas for living a more joyful and purposeful life.
Psychology
Neuroscience
Behavioral Sciences
working alongside others
Working in small teams and with a facilitator's support, we embrace intentional teamwork on the journey of reflection and action.
to design a more purposeful and joyful life
“If not now, when?”
— Now is the Time
The number one indicator of longevity is not diet or lifestyle, rather purpose and relationships.
— Let’s Build Connections
“What you do makes a difference and you have do decide what kind of difference you want to make”
- Jane Goodall
— You Can Make a Difference
In a way that works for you.
LifeDesign offers insightful learning materials in a variety of mediums and platforms so you can learn the way that works best for you!
READ
Books | Articles | Stories
LISTEN
Podcasts | Music
WATCH
Videos | TED Talks | TV Shows
TALK
Conversations
FAQs
Why should I take this class?
During a time of great uncertainty, LifeDesign is an opportunity to develop mindsets, skillsets and habits that will help foster a more joyful and purposeful life while having a lot of fun.
Will it relate to me?
If you are alive, LifeDesign is applicable for you! More seriously, if someone asked you, “What are you doing when you feel most alive?” what would you say? This class hopes to help you explore and expand on that answer.
Who can take this class?
We believe that all students at the University of Notre Dame can benefit from LifeDesign. As a result, the course is open to all students (even graduate students) regardless of year or field of study. There are no prerequisites or required skills, all you need is an open mind.
What is a LifeDesign Team?
A LifeDesign Team is made up of two facilitators and typically 6 students. The purpose of the LifeDesign Team is to allow for a deeper and more personal discussion on issues and topics covered in class. LifeDesign Teams will meet during regularly scheduled class periods, and if the LifeTeam decides, occasionally outside of scheduled time.
What will I get out of this?
In LifeDesign, you will learn about the science and practice toward living a more joyful and purposeful life, develop insights into a Motivating Question that is personally meaningful to you, and work on creating and changing a habit in your life. At the end of the class you will work on synthesizing and sharing insights that have been especially meaningful to you.
How will we be graded?
LifeDesign is a 3 credit class. Success is not measured in the correct answers that you find, rather the ability to build and use the skills shared in the class. A successful student is one who commits themself to learning more about their journey with an open mind.