The Science of Generosity: Do Good…Feel Good from edX

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.

What you'll learn

Identify behaviors that demonstrate generosity and prosocial behavior

Identify values, perceptions, and meanings of generosity in a variety of communities and cultures

Describe why “doing good” results in “feeling good”

Describe motivations for generosity and prosocial behavior

Reflect on giving strategies and their impact

Create a giving plan that supports continued generosity

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the meanings, traits, and motivations behind giving behaviors across communities and cultures

Taught by Femida Handy, who are recognized for their work in their field

Provides opportunities for learners to do good and feel good throughout the course

Develops a giving plan that supports continued generosity

Aimed at students who want to develop philanthropic practices

Appropriate for learners who seek personal growth and development

Career center

Learners who complete The Science of Generosity: Do Good…Feel Good will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Social Worker

Social Workers work to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities through a variety of services. They help people cope with a wide range of challenges, including poverty, mental illness, and addiction. Social Workers may also work to promote social justice and advocate for policies that benefit the poor and disadvantaged. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good can help Social Workers better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course can also help Social Workers develop strategies for encouraging generosity in their clients and communities.

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Philanthropy Advisor

Philanthropy Advisors help individuals, families, and organizations to make strategic charitable gifts. They work with clients to identify their philanthropic goals and develop a giving plan that meets their needs. Philanthropy Advisors may also work with nonprofit organizations to help them raise funds and build relationships with donors. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good can help Philanthropy Advisors better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course can also help Philanthropy Advisors develop strategies for encouraging generosity in their clients and communities.

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Fundraising Manager

Fundraising Managers plan and execute fundraising campaigns for nonprofit organizations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and staff, to raise funds to support the organization's mission. Fundraising Managers may also work to build relationships with major donors and develop strategies for long-term fundraising success. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good can help Fundraising Managers better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course can also help Fundraising Managers develop strategies for encouraging generosity in their donors.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work to bring people together to address community issues and improve the lives of residents. They may work on a variety of issues, such as affordable housing, education, and healthcare. Community Organizers may also work to build relationships between community members and local government officials. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good can help Community Organizers better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course can also help Community Organizers develop strategies for encouraging generosity in their communities.

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Nonprofit Executive Director

Nonprofit Executive Directors are responsible for the overall management of nonprofit organizations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including staff, board members, and donors, to develop and implement the organization's mission. Nonprofit Executive Directors may also work to build relationships with the community and advocate for policies that benefit the organization's mission. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good can help Nonprofit Executive Directors better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course can also help Nonprofit Executive Directors develop strategies for encouraging generosity in their donors and communities.

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Grant Writer

Grant Writers write grant proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including program staff, development officers, and donors, to develop and submit grant proposals. Grant Writers may also work to build relationships with funders and track the progress of grant applications. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good can help Grant Writers better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course can also help Grant Writers develop strategies for writing effective grant proposals.

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Psychologist

Psychologists study the mind and behavior. They work with a variety of clients, including individuals, families, and groups, to help them understand and cope with mental health issues. Psychologists may also work to develop and implement programs to prevent mental health problems. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good can help Psychologists better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course can also help Psychologists develop strategies for encouraging generosity in their clients and communities.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study society and social behavior. They work with a variety of methods, including surveys, interviews, and observations, to understand how society works. Sociologists may also work to develop and implement policies to address social problems. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good can help Sociologists better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course can also help Sociologists develop strategies for encouraging generosity in their communities.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects, including math, science, and social studies. They work with students of all ages, from preschool to high school. Teachers may also work to develop and implement lesson plans and assess student learning. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good can help Teachers better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course can also help Teachers develop strategies for encouraging generosity in their students.

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Minister

Ministers provide spiritual guidance and support to their congregations. They may also work to develop and implement programs to meet the needs of their communities. Ministers may also work to build relationships with other faith communities and advocate for social justice. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good can help Ministers better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course can also help Ministers develop strategies for encouraging generosity in their congregations and communities.

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Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and produce news stories for a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may also work to develop and implement editorial policies. Journalists may also work to build relationships with sources and advocate for freedom of the press. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good may be useful for Journalists who want to better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course may also be useful for Journalists who want to develop strategies for encouraging generosity in their communities.

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Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including the media, customers, and employees, to build and maintain positive relationships. Public Relations Specialists may also work to develop and implement public relations campaigns. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good may be useful for Public Relations Specialists who want to better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course may also be useful for Public Relations Specialists who want to develop strategies for encouraging generosity in their communities.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan and implement marketing campaigns for a variety of products and services. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including customers, sales teams, and product development teams, to develop and implement marketing strategies. Marketing Managers may also work to build and maintain brand awareness. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good may be useful for Marketing Managers who want to better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course may also be useful for Marketing Managers who want to develop strategies for encouraging generosity in their customers.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and manage sales teams. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including customers, sales representatives, and product development teams, to develop and implement sales strategies. Sales Managers may also work to build and maintain customer relationships. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good may be useful for Sales Managers who want to better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course may also be useful for Sales Managers who want to develop strategies for encouraging generosity in their customers.

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Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers identify and develop new business opportunities for organizations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including customers, partners, and investors, to develop and implement business development strategies. Business Development Managers may also work to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders. The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good may be useful for Business Development Managers who want to better understand the motivations behind giving and prosocial behavior. This course may also be useful for Business Development Managers who want to develop strategies for encouraging generosity in their customers and partners.

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The Science of Generosity

Do Good…Feel Good

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