Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - PSYC 366 D100

Psychology and Environmental Sustainability (3)

Class Number: 5322

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 12, 2025
    Sat, 3:30–5:30 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. Topics include social influence, norms, persuasion, sustainable happiness, environmental identity, nature connection, environmental inequality and environmental justice, collective action, and social change. In the process of learning about psychology and sustainability, students will also learn about environmental challenges faced in today's world, as well as how humans might address those challenges through individual and collective behaviour.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After successful completion of this course, students will:
- Be able to explain social psychological theories (related to social norms, well-being, identity, power and inequality, etc.) and describe existing evidence for their predictions.
- Be able to apply social psychological theories to environmental issues.
- Be able to critique approaches to sustainability using social psychology.
- Be able to critique approaches to sustainability using a justice/equity lens.

Grading

  • Short paper: 5%
  • Participation: 12%
  • Mid-Term 1: 18%
  • Mid-Term 2: 18%
  • Final Exam: 22%
  • Final Paper: 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No Textbook Required. Readings will be available online through the SFU Library, or elsewhere online.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.