This course explores human-environment interactions and the relationships between natural, social, and built environments in shaping people as individuals, and in turn, how people shape their environment(s). This course will critically explore theories and research that serve as the foundation of the field, as well as examine applications to real-world problems. This course will incorporate inquiry-based approaches to environmental psychology including the methods of participant observation and PhotoVoice.
This course will engage ecological approaches and multi-level concepts in understanding human-environment dynamics and interactions from the home/personal space, community, and urban life, among others, as well as reflect on students' experience of their physical and social environments. As a survey course, this course will cover myriad topics with consideration to social justice, and varying conceptualizations and experiences addressing gender, race, class, age and people with disabilities. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, this course will give special consideration to public space and home environments. As a discussion-based seminar, topics will ultimately be driven by student interest. Several films and podcasts may be incorporated into class. |