Building Character and Courage: Using the VIA Character Strengths assessment and journaling to develop character development in an undergraduate business elective

Developing character in our young people has become an urgent and perhaps tricky business in the 21st century. Kuh and Umbach (2004) argue that few studies emphasize the behavior that shapes or is related to character development. This session offers participants an opportunity to learn about one instructor’s efforts to promote character development among undergraduate business students as it relates to interpersonal relationships and leadership behavior. Using journaling assignments that include practice, reflection and feedback, students practice and experiment with activities that explore and strengthen the character strengths defined in the VIA Character Survey (www.viacharacter.org). Active exchange of others’ experiences with character development will be encouraged.