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Introduction
to Environmental Psychology: Exploring the Role & Meaning
of Place
Although we do not always recognize it, we are deeply affected
by the physical world around us. To understand our daily experiences
of place, we must consider our relationship to our surroundings
carefully. Through this course, we will explore the nature
of people’s interrelationships with space and place.
We will consider just how our environment affects our daily
lives, our behaviors and feelings, and how we, in turn, help
shape and influence our environment.
Starting with foundational
theories on place attachment and place identity, the course
will address classic issues that help inform urban ecological
design, such as our relationships to nature, landscape preferences,
environmental perception and cognition, personal space, territoriality,
density and crowding. We will also consider community level
issues, such as cultural expressions in the landscape, managing
limited resources, and the importance of social design. In
addressing these issues, the course will provide a critical
framework for understanding the role of the environment in
our lives.
Through readings,
lectures, discussion, in-class activities and assignments,
you will develop the ability to analyze environment-and-behavior
issues, think more critically about the world around you,
and understand the ways that we exert influence on the environment.
This course will also help you to design more effective and
appropriate environments that address human needs.
MLA student enrolled in this course should also attend a one-hr/week
discussion group to further delve into critical issues raised
in the lectures. While Prof Manzo will be there to participate
and provide input, these will be student-led discussions that
will enable you to more deeply explore issues of particular
interest to you.
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