Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - PSYC 366 D100

Psychology and Environmental Sustainability (3)

Class Number: 4032

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 11, 2019
    Thu, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201 and PSYC 260.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of some of the ways that psychological theorizing and research, and social psychology in particular, can be applied to environmental sustainability. Introduces students to some of the environmental challenges faced by contemporary humans and the psychological implications of those challenges. Students with credit for PSYC 391 Psychology and Environmental Sustainability may not take PSYC 366 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course will provide students with an understanding of the many ways in which social psychological theorizing and research can be applied to our understanding of environmental sustainability. In addition, the course serves to introduce students to a range of environmental challenges faced by contemporary humans. Topics include social influence, norms, persuasion, materialism and consumption, sustainable happiness, environmental identity, nature connection, environmental inequality and environmental justice, collective action, and social change.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Describe and explain multiple environmental issues (e.g. climate change, deforestation, air pollution, etc.)
2. Describe and explain multiple social psychological theories and research testing those theories.
3. Apply social psychological perspectives to environmental issues and the promotion of sustainable human behaviour.
4. Critique different approaches to sustainability from a social psychological perspective.
5. Critique social psychological approaches to sustainability—noting potential contributions and limitations.
6. Critically reflect on their own relationship to the natural world.

Grading

  • Short paper: 4%
  • In class assignments: 8%
  • Midterm 1: 12%
  • Midterm 2: 15%
  • Peer Review: 5%
  • Paper 2 Proposal: 6%
  • Final Paper: 25%
  • Final Exam: 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

None required. Weekly readings will be made available through Canvas, internet links, or through online journals.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS