FARMINGTON — In continued celebration of its historic 150th anniversary, the University of Maine at Farmington will present the three-day UMF Farmington Forum titled “Psychology and the Good Life.”

This second academic discipline in the 2013-14 forum series explores the role that psychologists can play in fostering moral development and psychological well-being. Events run from Dec. 11-13, and are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

Rod Nadeau, a graduate of the UMF class of 1987 and an adventure-based counselor at Maine’s REAL School in RSU 14, will speak on how adventure therapy helps students, with a wide range of learning challenges, be successful. A licensed Maine Guide since 1987, he holds designations in whitewater rafting, sea kayaking and outdoor recreation.

James Waller is the Cohen Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Keene State College and academic programs director with the Auschwitz Institute for Peace and Reconciliation. His book, “Becoming Evil: How Ordinary People Commit Genocide and Mass Killing,” was described by Publishers Weekly as an “original and persuasive” account of the emergence of evil in contemporary society. An expert in Holocaust and genocide studies, he will speak on “The Psychology of Evil.”

Complete schedule of events in series is as follows:

“Psychology and the Good Life,” 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 11, Thomas Auditorium, UMF Preble/Ricker Hall. Presentations by UMF Department of Psychology faculty members include “Resilience and Families” by Susan Anzivino, professor of psychology; “Psychotherapy and the Good Life” by Natasha Lekes, assistant professor of psychology; “Issues in Positive Psychology” by Karol Maybury, associate professor of psychology; “The Problem of Value in Contemporary Psychology” by Steve Quackenbush, professor of psychology.

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Nadeau’s presentation will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11.

“The Psychology of Evil: Understanding Perpetrators of Genocide and Mass Atrocity” will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12.

The Psychology Undergraduate Research Symposium will take place from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, including research presentations by UMF psychology students Lauren Trudeau, junior from Wiscasset; Jasmine Portales, senior from North Turner; Kayla Tuttle, senior from Waterville; and Kaitlyn Dickinson, senior from Enfield, N.H.

Psychology Alumni Reunion will be held from 4-6 p.m. in the Education Center Bjorn Lounge. Open to UMF alumni.

Throughout the year, UMF’s Farmington Forum Series will feature a host of special events in the six key academic disciplines of education, psychology, English, biology, mathematics and history. Events will include in-depth lectures by visiting scholars, film and research presentations, art exhibits, panel discussions and alumni receptions.

For additional details, visit the calendar of events at http://150.umf.maine.edu.