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WELL 36 — Connected: The Science and Practice of Building Friendship

Quarter: Fall
Instructor(s): Tony Shen
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: Online
Date(s): Oct 5—Nov 9
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Day: Mondays
Grade Restriction: NGR only; no credit/letter grade
Class Meeting Time: 6:30—8:00 pm (PT)
Tuition: $380
   
Refund Deadline: Oct 7
 
Unit(s): 0
   
Enrollment Limit: 55
  
Status: Registration opens Aug 17, 8:30 am (PT)
 
Quarter: Fall
Day: Mondays
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 6:30—8:00 pm (PT)
Date(s): Oct 5—Nov 9
Unit(s): 0
Location: Online
 
Tuition: $380
 
Refund Deadline: Oct 7
 
Instructor(s): Tony Shen
 
Grade Restriction: NGR only; no credit/letter grade
 
Enrollment Limit: 55
 
Recording Available: Yes
 
Status: Registration opens Aug 17, 8:30 am (PT)
 
Friendship is a practice and doesn’t happen magically on its own. Decades of research show that the single most important factor for a healthier and happier life is good relationships. Yet in our busy, digital world, the difficulty of sustaining close ties fuels a loneliness epidemic. This course blends evidence-based findings from psychology and social science with practical exercises designed to help participants build stronger, more meaningful relationships. We’ll explore the science and skill of building friendship—such as likeability, reciprocity, affection, and vulnerability—within a supportive cohort. You’ll learn how to have conversations that engage and connect and practice exercises to build closeness. Each session begins with a brief lecture followed by self-assessments, breakout rooms, and in-depth group discussion. You’ll set a weekly goal, apply it between sessions, and return to reflect and refine. You’ll leave with a personalized connection plan and the skills to grow friendships that can make life longer, healthier, and more fulfilling.

TONY SHEN
Connections Coach

Tony Shen helps people cultivate new and stronger friendships through his "Friendship Lab" classes and coaching. He runs workshops at UC Berkeley, teaches improv, and hosts comedy shows. He was a C-suite executive and consultant to Fortune 500 firms before discovering his passion for helping people build happier, more friend-filled lives. He received a BA in economics from Stanford and an MBA from UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business.

Textbooks for this course:

There are no required textbooks; however, some fee-based online readings may be assigned.