GEO-36306 Environmental Psychology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Human Geography.

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, emotion 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. Debating and argumentations skills are trained in relation to the subject matter.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain how the environment influences human perception, well-being and behaviour;
- explain how humans influence the environment and how sustainable behaviour can be promoted;
- describe the main theories of environmental psychology;
- illustrate the usefulness of environmental psychology for policy, planning and design;
- apply theoretical knowledge in applied research, planning and design related spatial problems;
- identify societal debates about human-environment relationships;
- structure a line of argumentation and defend this argumentation in a debate.

Activities:

- lectures;
- training in argumentation and debating skills;
- discussion and literature study;
- participation in a classroom experiment.

Examination:

- written exam (55%);
- group assignment (35%);
- argumentation and debating skills (10%).
An average mark of 5.5 or higher for all components constitutes a pass.

Literature:

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