Environmental Psychology and Urban Ecology

Environmental Psychology and Urban Ecology, explores the dynamic relationship between humans and their environments, both natural and built. Students will investigate how our surroundings impact mental health, behavior, and well-being while also delving into the ecological challenges facing urban environments today. By combining the fields of environmental psychology and urban ecology, the course will foster a deeper understanding of how urban planning, environmental policy, and personal behavior can shape sustainable and healthy communities. Students will examine key topics, such as the psychological benefits of nature ("green time"), the anti-lawn and lawn-to-habitat movement, parks as essential public health infrastructure, and new approaches to rainwater management. Students will engage with foundational texts, including Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv and The Nature Fix by Florence Williams, to explore the impact of nature on human creativity, mental health, and happiness. This course will feature a variety of hands-on, project-based learning experiences, including independent fieldwork using the iNaturalist app for ecological observations, and gamified elements designed to make learning engaging and interactive. Students will also participate in discussions on contemporary rewilding practices and urban green spaces, drawing connections between local ecosystems and global environmental issues. Assignments will include mobile fieldwork, creating urban ecology plans, and analyzing the psychological effects of green spaces in urban areas.