SAL-36306 Environmental Psychology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Human Geography 2

Contents:

This course focuses on the reciprocal relationship between humans and the built and natural environment. These relations are the product of biological, cultural and personal influences. The course provides an introduction to the two main research areas within environmental psychology: research on environmental perception and evaluation, and research on sustainable environmental behaviour. Special attention is given to human-nature interactions. In particular, students will learn how natural environments are perceived and evaluated, and how contact with nature may benefit people's health. Negative aspects, such as fear of nature and health risks, will also be discussed. The course presents the major theories such as arousal theory, habitat theory, social dilemma theory, and attention restoration theory, along with an introduction to the methods and techniques used in environmental psychology. An important applied aim of environmental psychology is how to create liveable environments. Therefore the course addresses different approaches to people-oriented design and planning.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, students will:
- have theoretical and empirical understanding of human-environment relationships;
- have knowledge of the main theories of environmental psychology;
- understand how people perceive and evaluate built and natural environments;
- understand how human behaviour influences the environment;
- understand how humans respond to environmental risks;
- be able to carry out simple experiments;
- understand the usefulness of environmental psychology for policy, planning and design;
- be able to apply some theoretical knowledge in applied research, planning and design related to spatial problems.

Activities:

Lectures; Discussion and literature study; Participation in a classroom experiment.

Examination:

Written exam and assignments.

Literature:

Reader Environmental Psychology: a selection of book chapters and scientific articles.