Environmental psychology focuses on the relation between individuals and their physical environment. This includes (but is not limited to) the study of human behavior that interacts with the natural environment. For example, humans play an essential role in both producing and potentially mitigating climate change.

The course gives an introduction to theory, research, and methods in the study of human perception and behavior in the field of environmental psychology. It focuses on approaches within psychology that study information processing, judgment and appraisal processes, behavior, and communication.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student...

• Knows key concepts in the field of environmental psychology.
• Knows major theories dealing with human-environment relations.
• Knows research methods applied to study human-environment relations.

Skills

The student...

• Can reflect upon and evaluate research questions in this topic area.
• Can reflect upon and evaluate research designs and methods in this topic area.
• Can analyze environment related issues with relevant concepts and theories from psychology.
• Has gained experience with presenting research in the field of environmental psychology to an academic audience.

Generel competence

The student...

• Can search, structure, and reflect upon scientific literature in this topic area.
• Can participate in discussions dealing with human-environment relations.
• Can communicate research in the field of environmental psychology.

• Lectures and seminars based on recommended readings.
• Group assignment in which the students will work together on a sub-topic of the course. Students will present their group work as part of the seminar.
• Plenary discussions following the presentation of the group assignment.
• Individual independent preparation of the course materials and of the group assignment.