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Femida Handy

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.

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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

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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

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Science of Generosity: Do Good…Feel Good with these activities:
Review the Course Materials
Reviewing the course materials will help you reinforce your understanding of the key concepts and ideas related to generosity.
Browse courses on Generosity
Show steps
  • Go through the course syllabus and identify the main topics and concepts
  • Read the assigned readings, watch the videos, and complete the quizzes
Review 'The Happiness Project'
This book explores the importance of generosity and its impact on personal well-being. By understanding the principles and benefits discussed in this book, you can effectively increase your generosity and experience greater happiness.
Show steps
  • Read the book and reflect on the author's insights
  • Identify specific actions or habits you can adopt to practice generosity in your daily life
Identify a Mentor to Guide Your Generosity Journey
Seeking guidance from a mentor can provide you with valuable insights, support, and encouragement as you deepen your exploration of generosity.
Browse courses on Generosity
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors who have experience or expertise in generosity
  • Reach out to your chosen mentor and explain your interest in learning more about generosity
Six other activities
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Volunteer at a Local Charity
Volunteering allows you to experience generosity firsthand and see how it can make a difference in the lives of others.
Browse courses on Generosity
Show steps
  • Research local charities that align with your interests
  • Choose a charity and contact them to inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Attend orientation and training provided by the charity
  • Participate in volunteer activities and contribute your time and effort
Participate in a Generosity Challenge
Participating in a generosity challenge can motivate you to increase your generous actions and contribute to a larger movement.
Browse courses on Generosity
Show steps
  • Find a generosity challenge that aligns with your interests and goals
  • Set a personal goal for the challenge and track your progress
Create a Generosity Journal
Regularly reflecting on your generous actions can help you appreciate their impact and identify areas for growth.
Browse courses on Generosity
Show steps
  • Set up a dedicated journal or notebook for记录ing your generous actions
  • Record each act of generosity, big or small, along with your thoughts and feelings about it
Host a Generosity Discussion Group
By engaging in discussions with others, you can share your experiences, learn from others' perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of generosity.
Browse courses on Generosity
Show steps
  • Invite a group of friends or colleagues to participate in a discussion about generosity
  • Prepare some discussion questions or topics to guide the conversation
  • Facilitate the discussion, encourage active participation, and ensure a respectful exchange of ideas
Practice Acts of Kindness
Regularly engaging in acts of kindness can strengthen your understanding of generosity and its impact on your own well-being and the well-being of others.
Browse courses on Generosity
Show steps
  • Set a goal to perform a specific number of acts of kindness each day or week
  • Reflect on the impact of your actions on yourself and others
Contribute to Open-Source Generosity Projects
Engaging in open-source generosity projects allows you to collaborate with others and contribute directly to the promotion of generosity.
Browse courses on Generosity
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects related to generosity or prosocial behavior
  • Find ways to contribute your skills, knowledge, or time to the project

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Science of Generosity: Do Good…Feel Good.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the science of giving. McCullough draws on research from psychology, economics, and neuroscience to explain why giving is good for both the giver and the recipient.
Provides a practical and accessible guide to incorporating generosity into your life. Rubin shares her own experiences with giving and offers tips and advice on how to make giving a regular part of your routine.
Explores the evolutionary origins of human generosity. Gintis argues that giving product of natural selection and that it has played a key role in the evolution of human cooperation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the economics of giving. Frey draws on research from economics and other social sciences to explain the economic motivations for giving.
Provides a collection of stories and scientific evidence on the power of giving. Santi shares stories of people who have been transformed by the act of giving and offers practical tips on how to incorporate more giving into your life.
Provides a collection of stories about the power of giving and gratitude. Salzberg shares stories of people who have been transformed by the act of giving and offers practical advice on how to cultivate a more generous heart.
Explores the science of gratitude and how it can lead to increased happiness and well-being. Emmons provides research-based evidence on the benefits of gratitude and offers practical exercises to help readers cultivate a more grateful attitude.
Explores the nature of creativity and the role that giving plays in the creative process. Hyde argues that giving is essential for creativity and that the best gifts are those that are freely given.

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