PSYC 0170 - Environmental Psychology
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/psyc-0170/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Units Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Analyze the history of American attitudes and ethics towards wilderness, and the history of Western notions of human nature. Evaluate the interdependent nature of the human/environment relationship. Evaluate models of environmental degradation and psychological pathology. Apply multi-theoretical perspectives in psychology (cognitive, behaviorist, biopsychology, humanistic, psychoanalytic, evolutionary, and Social Learning Theory) to issues inherent in the human-environment relationship. Course Content Outline I. History, Systems and Contemporary Perspectives II. Research Methods III. Developmental Perspective IV. Learning V. Relation of Human Pathology to Environmental Pathology VI. The Human/Animal Connection VII. The Human/Earth Connection VIII. Models of Health-Sustainability Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. History, Systems and Contemporary Perspectives: A. Define environmental psychology. B. Discuss the basic tension between people and "nature". C. Briefly describe different philosophical perspectives relative to "human nature". D. Describe historical psychological viewpoints related to "nature". E. Evaluate and contrast urban and rural environmental psychologies. F. Compare and contrast contemporary perspectives on human behavior and environmental degradation. 2. Research Methods: A. Explain benefits and drawbacks of types of research methodology in exploring environmental psychology. B. Describe purpose of "operationalizing variables". C. Apply scientific standards of measurement to an environmental issue and justify your choice of measurement. D. Elucidate reasons for the consideration of economics in research design. E. Demonstrate an understanding of the problem of bias in research. F. Evaluate "ecological footprint" as a measurement tool. G. Define "environmental hysteria" and discuss the issue of backlash. H. Compare and contrast the benefits and limitations of science in ecopsychology. 3. Developmental Perspective: A. Compare and contrast children's experiences in natural and constructed environments. B. Discuss children's relationship with animals. C. Describe examples of life experience and environmentalism. D. Compare and contrast moral reasoning theories. E. Evaluate the role of "nature" in children's identity formation. F. Discuss IQ, behavior and environmental toxicity research. 4. Learning: A. Describe Skinner's perspective on "green behaviors". B. Compare and contrast efficacy of rewards versus punishers in creating behavior change. C. Evaluate social learning theory and environmental behaviors. D. Develop a plan using behavioral shaping model to teach a simple pro-environment behavior outcome. 5. Relation of human pathology to environmental pathology: A. Describe DSM definitions of: Depression, Anxiety, Autism, Schizophrenia, Dissociative Disorders, etc. B. Describe major environmental issues: Climate change, Dependence on fossil fuels, waste management, air/water/soil/light pollution. C. Discuss the relationship between A. and B. D. Trace the development of US consumption and standard of living changes alongside the development of technology. 6. The Human/Animal Connection A. Compare and contrast theories of emotion relative to human and animal "minds". B. Evaluate the merits and drawbacks of the evolutionary psychological perspective. C. Identify the strengths of biodiversity and the multiplicity of the psyche. D. Describe the repercussions of extinction. E. Describe the repercussions of overdomestication. F. Examine the food production system. 7. The Human/Environment Connection: A. Evaluate efficacy of persuasion techniques to change group behavior. B. Construct a plan to alter an environmentally destructive behavior using social influence. C. Describe and contrast institutional power versus individual power. D. Expound on the role of media in both pro and anti environmental behaviors. 8. Models of Health-Sustainability: A. Discuss the role of reciprocity in human-earth relationship. B. Define mindfulness and discuss examples of its application to behavioral choices. C. Compare and contrast models of consumption behavior. D. Evaluate the branding of "green" and the advantages and disadvantages of a "brand". E. Define, compare and contrast the ecofeminist perspective with other ecological movements relative to social identity formation. F. Describe the relationship between social justice, economic justice and efficacy in ecopsychological progress. G. Explain how construction of "sense of place" contributes to ecological behavior choices. Methods of Evaluation Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Projects Reports Reading Assignments 1. Read Shapiro's "Restoring Habitats, Communities, and Souls" from Ecopsychology. Describe how this author is suggesting that humans and nature may exist in synergy. 2. Read Kanner and Gomes "The All Consuming Self" from Ecopsychology. In what ways has consumerism become a matter of personal and cultural identity? Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Explain the environmental impact and health implications of producing an assigned product (i.e., diet coke, candles, air fresheners, lipstick, cell phones). Using images, and at least two outside, cited references present findings to the class. 2. After watching the movie "Food, Inc." write a two page paper describing how food production and consumption is a reflection of our cultural values. 3. Contemplate your own patterns of consumption and write a brief essay on the ways in which feelings of "relative depravation" or "zero-sum game" may have influenced your decision to obtain an object that exceeded your needs. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Major Research Paper For well over one-hundred-years, psychologists have written about the need for humans to "conquer nature." Considering the variety of ways in which this human/nature divide has been theorized, choose at least three major historical perspectives and explore ways in which contemporary psychologists have approached the quandary. In particular, emphasize how this divide may be minimized. Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
