Harvard ‘Managing Happiness’ course offers insights amid growing scrutiny of student well-being

Harvard University's latest offering, the “Managing Happiness” course, aims to equip individuals with strategies for cultivating joy and fulfillment. Taught by social scientist and professor Arthur Brooks, this six-week program is available globally via the edX platform and blends insights from neuroscience, positive psychology, social science, and philosophy. It focuses on creating a “happiness portfolio” that balances short-term achievements with long-term satisfaction. 

However, this initiative emerges against the backdrop of growing concerns about the dark realities of life at Harvard. particularly regarding mental health, systematic inequalities, and experiences of discrimination. 

A bright initiative, the ‘Managing Happiness’ course 

The course provides a roadmap for understanding and achieving happiness, delving into its scientific underpinnings and practical applications. Participants explore how genetic, social dynamics and economic circumstances influence well-being. With a self-paced structure requiring just 2-3 hours per week, the program is accessible to a global audience. 

Enrollment options 

• Verified track: $219 (approximately ₹18,199), with a certificate upon completion 
• Free Audit Track: limited materials available until February 25, 2024

Running from January 12 to March 27, 2024, the course represents Harvard’s efforts to promote well-being beyond its campus 

The Dark Side of Harvard, a comparative analysis 

While the course emphasizes cultivating happiness, Harvard itself faces criticism for challenges related to students' mental health, discrimination, and systemic inequalities. 

Mental Health challenges 

A 2022 Harvard Crimson survey revealed troubling statistics:

• 39% of undergraduates and 30% of graduate students reported experiencing anxiety or depression. 
• Long wait times for counseling and the stigma around seeking help exacerbate these struggles. 
• The culture of perfectionism fuels burnout, imposter syndrome, and chronic stress.

International students and discrimination 

Despite its diverse student body, Harvard’s international students often encounter:

• cultural barriers: isolation due to language and cultural differences 
• discrimination: Microaggressions and stereotypically based on nationality or ethnicity.
• institution struggles: visa and financial challenges add to their stress. 

Case studies

• In 2020, Harvard joined a lawsuit against U.S. immigration policies threatening international students during COVID-19..

• Allegations of radical discrimination, including against Asian -American applicants, have spotlighted admissions controversies.  

Altogether Hravard’s ‘Managing Happiness’ course reflects a border acknowledgment of the importance of well-being, offering participants tools to build joyful lives. Yet, the university itself continues to grapple with significant challenges that undermine its ideals of excellence and inclusivity. 

While the course may guide individuals worldwide toward happiness, Harvard must prioritize systemic change to ensure its students can thrive both academically and personally. Only by addressing these issues can it reconcile its prestigious reputation with the realities faced by its community.