This assignment combines fact and practical application.  Your essay is to be divided into two (2) parts.  

You will be required to do the following:

• Investigate and report on the scientific aspects of the practice of gratitude (Part 1)
• Reflect on the personal benefits of the practice of gratitude by keeping a gratitude journal (Part 2)

For Part 1, you will research and report on the informational aspects of the practice of gratitude, such as the definition, the science behind the practice —  how it provides benefits to one’s well-being and greater happiness, as well as how to implement the practice of gratitude. 

Use at least two scholarly sources to compile your information.  Note that scholarly sources are articles or books that are written by researchers or experts in a field in order to share the results of their original research or analysis with other researchers and students. These resources often go through a process known as peer review where the article or book is reviewed by a group of experts in the field.  If you are unsure what qualifies as a scholarly source, feel free to use sources from the Resource List  included in this module.  For the informational aspects in Part 1, you will need to cover the following points:

• Definition of gratitude/practice of gratitude:  Expound on what these terms mean.
• Benefits of practicing gratitude:  Tell what researchers have discovered about the practice of gratitude and how that relates to the pursuit of happiness.  Tell how it improves general well-being.  Tell how keeping a written record of the statements of gratitude via a gratitude journal or other means is an important component of the practice of gratitude.  Tell what it is like keeping a gratitude journal.

Part 1 is a rough draft to submit for feedback to make sure you are on the right track with your essay.  I will review your rough draft and give you recommendations for changes, if necessary.  Do not submit your rough draft of Part 1 as your final copy until after I have reviewed it.  Once I review it, you may submit your final essay.  Your rough draft will not count as a separate grade, but will be counted in your overall semester project grade.  Do not submit Part 2 reflection section with your Part 1 – informational rough draft.  You will submit both parts when you submit your final copy of your essay.