Bachelor
2024/2025
Environmental psychology
Type:
Elective course (Psychology)
Area of studies:
Psychology
Delivered by:
School of Psychology
Where:
Faculty of Social Sciences
When:
4 year, 3 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Instructors:
Elena Sautkina
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
46
Course Syllabus
Abstract
Environmental Psychology studies the relationships between people and their natural and built surroundings. On the one hand, Environmental Psychology focuses on the role of physical environments for people, e.g., how living in cities impacts people's cognition and behaviour, or the capacity of natural environments to restore people’s psychological resources. On the other hand, it examines the ways people shape their physical environments, e.g., processes involved in pro-environmental action, or creating healthy and sustainable built environments. Since the 1960s, the role of Environmental Psychology has been twofold: to conduct research and to apply the research evidence in real life, e.g. in nature conservation, environmental design, well-being and health, education, and other areas. Today, Environmental Psychology helps to shape people’s awareness and behaviour in order to transition towards a sustainable future, and to mitigate and adapt to various environmental threats caused by climate change and environmental degradation. This course will introduce students to key theories, concepts, methods and applications of Environmental Psychology to encourage and empower them to conduct basic research and practice in this area. Students will be able to gain knowledge and experience in Environmental Psychology through interactive lectures and active learning seminars. Course topics will include: history and scope of Environmental Psychology; psychology of built environments and urban design; psychology of human-nature interactions; psychology of environmental risks; psychology of pro-environmental action; and fundamentals of applied Environmental Psychology.