The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good (Coursera)

The Science of Generosity: Do Good...Feel Good (Coursera)

What does it mean to be generous? Can doing good actually make you feel good? 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.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

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 Will Learn

  • Why “doing good” results in “feeling good”
  • Ways to demonstrate generosity in your everyday life
  • Strategies for continued giving that doesn't require a lot of time or money but results in high impact

Syllabus

WEEK 1: Generosity: Your Way, My Way, or Is There Another Way?
WEEK 2: Why Are People Generous?
WEEK 3: Feeling Good by Doing Good
WEEK 4: Facilitating Generosity in Yourself and in Others

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Constructores de Paz (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad de los Andes

Constructores de Paz (Coursera)

El curso Constructores Paz surgió como resultado de la preocupación de algunos profesores de la Universidad de los Andes por hacer un aporte al proceso de construcción de paz en nuestro país y en el mundo, a partir de prácticas personales y cotidianas. En este curso tendrás la oportunidad de reflexionar permanentemente acerca de ti mismo, de tus actitudes y de tus comportamientos, y de cómo tu manera de abordar diferentes situaciones de la vida diaria te llevan a construir paz.

Aug 10th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders (Coursera)

This Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders course is designed to have you think critically about the health effects of cannabis (i.e., marijuana) in the context of several mental health and neurocognitive disorders. You'll be able to identify key features of several anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD), major depression, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease.

Jul 27th 2026
4 Weeks
Mapas conceituais para aprender e colaborar (Coursera) Coursera
Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil

Mapas conceituais para aprender e colaborar (Coursera)

Você aprenderá a fazer bons mapas conceituais, ou seja, mapas que representam com fidelidade o seu entendimento sobre o tema mapeado - revelando o que você sabe e o que você não sabe! Além disso, você vai aprender a: avaliar um mapa conceitual, considerando a forma da sua rede e o conteúdo que ele apresenta, e usar mapas conceituais para facilitar a comunicação durante processos colaborativos.

Aug 10th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Voces de cambio social (Coursera) Coursera
Laureate Education

Voces de cambio social (Coursera)

En momentos de turbulencia política, desconcierto medioambiental y permanente desigualdad social, los jóvenes creadores de cambio están liderando el camino para resolver los desafíos de la actualidad. ¿Qué está haciendo usted para crear un cambio positivo y sostenible? Voces de Cambio Social es un curso corto en línea gratuito, diseñado e impartido por ocho jóvenes emprendedores sociales.

Aug 3rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Sustainable Tourism – promoting environmental public health (Coursera) Coursera
University of Copenhagen

Sustainable Tourism – promoting environmental public health (Coursera)

The MOOC introduces learners to key environmental health and natural resources management challenges associated with the rapid growth in international tourist arrivals into low-income countries. Since infrastructural and regulatory capacities in such countries are often limited they are more exposed to the negative implications of such development. The MOOC will present experiences and potential avenues to develop a more sustainable form of tourism.

Aug 3rd 2026
3 Weeks
Science of Training Young Athletes Part 2 (Coursera) Coursera
University of Florida

Science of Training Young Athletes Part 2 (Coursera)

In this course you will learn how to design the type of training that takes advantage of the plastic nature of the athlete’s body so you mold the right phenotype for a sport. We explore ways the muscular system can be designed to generate higher force and power and the type of training needed to mold the athlete's physical capacity so it meets the energy and biochemical demands of the sport.

Aug 10th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Brilliant, Passionate You (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

Brilliant, Passionate You (Coursera)

This course is an interdisciplinary look at how we can make each day the best day of our lives by examining the question, “How can you be your most brilliant, passionate self?” You will be joined on this journey by our animated host, Lewis! You will envision your “perfect day” and then slowly deconstruct the elements of that day to better understand key elements such as finding your purpose, defining success, mental and physical health, the importance of community, and navigating risks and challenges. In addition, you will hear stories from a diverse array of individuals, including students, doctors, teachers, professional storytellers, professional athletes, coaches, and others sharing their own journeys, communities, and sources of inspiration.

Aug 10th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Vozes da Mudança Social (Coursera) Coursera
Laureate Education

Vozes da Mudança Social (Coursera)

Em tempos de instabilidade política, desequilíbrio ambiental e desigualdade social, jovens agentes de mudanças sociais estão liderando o caminho para solucionar os desafios da atualidade. O que você está fazendo para gerar mudanças positivas e sustentáveis? O programa Vozes da Mudança Social é um curso on-line, gratuito e de curta duração, elaborado e ministrado por oito jovens empreendedores.

Aug 3rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
The Science of Training Young Athletes (Coursera) Coursera
University of Florida

The Science of Training Young Athletes (Coursera)

Seventy percent of kids drop out of sports before their high school graduation. Only 15% leave because they feel they are not good enough. Almost 70% leave because they were not having fun, or due to problems with the coach. Injuries cause 30% to give up sports. This course is packed full of practical sports science information that provide youth coaches and parents with the practical pediatric sports science insights to successfully retain young athletes and develop their sport potential while avoiding injury and overtraining.

Jul 27th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Playing to Your Strengths by StandOut (Coursera) Coursera
Automatic Data Processing (ADP)

Playing to Your Strengths by StandOut (Coursera)

Playing to Your Strengths is designed for any professional individual striving to be more productive and more focused today than they were yesterday and those who want to make their greatest contributions at work and in life by embracing a strengths-based mindset. Based on the six-part film series Trombone Player Wanted from Marcus Buckingham, this 6-week course includes video demonstrations, practice simulations, a course guide, and reflection activities that will inspire you to identify your strengths and make them a vital and sustainable part of your everyday life.

Aug 10th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Career Planning: A Pathway to Employment (Coursera) Coursera
University System of Georgia

Career Planning: A Pathway to Employment (Coursera)

This course is designed to foster creative approaches to launching a new career. You will articulate best ways to make a first impression and analyze your strengths by creating a personal statement. You will identify appropriate elements to make your resume stand out from the crowd. You will also identify the most effective ways a cover letter can answer a job description, and how to best leverage social media in your job search.

Aug 10th 2026
5-12 Weeks