Rituals and Living the Good Life
FYSEMR 71Y
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Why do we knock on wood for good luck? Why do we put birthday candles on cakes? Why do some cultures use black at funerals while others use only white? Why do teams perform team cheers before games?
This seminar will explore the psychology of rituals – those odd, seemingly meaningless behaviors that research shows influence our psychology in profound ways, making the mundane meaningful: dull morning routines can instead get us “ready for our day” and rote work meetings can instead improve team cohesion and performance.
We will explore rituals in domains ranging from performance anxiety to team effectiveness, from enhancing consumption to improving health—in our daily lives, our work lives, and even when trying to cope with family during the holidays.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
