PSY 419 Ecological Psychology (SS)

An analysis of What is the relationship of human experience to the natural world? Why should we care about the environment? Ecological psychology attempts to answer these questions. Students will explore the relationship of humans to nature in multiple cultural settings and historical contexts. This course also discusses the impact of human culture on the natural world, and the ways in which individuals and societies can harm or help the environment.

Credits

5

Outcomes

1. This course will prepare students to:
2. Articulate basic concepts of ecology and systems thinking as relevant to ecopsychology.
3. Discuss how the natural world is an integral aspect of human child development and adult mental health.
4. Compare, contrast, and connect the perspectives of a variety of schools of psychological thought toward the environment and how ecopsychology may be applied in a therapeutic setting.
5. Evaluate psychological strategies to create environmentally responsible behavior and help to alleviate current social and environmental problems.
6. Discuss the role that religions and spiritual beliefs play in a healing process that involves humans and nature.
7. Articulate essential features of the field of ecological psychology, or ecopsychology and its application in ecotherapy.
8. Discuss the role of the Western cultural, intellectual tradition and historical antecedents in creating a dualistic world view that contributes to consumerism, addiction, and psychological and environmental disease.