Course code:

HS1105

Level:

I - Introductory

Class size limit:

12

Meets the following requirements:

  • HS - Human Studies

Lab fee:

25

Typically offered:

Upon occasion

Understanding how we as humans experience life beyond our “built” and “human” environments ought to be a fundamental aspect of our existence but, increasingly, it is not. This class considers the relationship of humans to their natural environments and asks how our natural environments impact us as individual humans, humans in different natural settings, and groups of humans. It will include perspectives from Ecopsychology, Positive Psychology, and ways of understanding nature and our relationship(s) with it from multiple perspectives, including Indigenous perspectives from Turtle Island, the perspective of Settlers and Migrants, as well as both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous perspectives from non-Western societies. We will also explore different research methods to help us understand the effects of nature on well-being.

The course will include an experiential and journaling component in addition to discussions and assigned readings. Classes will include two regular discussion/working meetings as well as one “experiential” session per week including a hike or other ways of spending time in natural and/or cultivated environments on land or water. Classroom sessions will involve discussion with written responses, opportunities to lead discussions, and assignments throughout the semester. We will learn to observe our own responses to experiences and combine these with readings and discussions of both qualitative and quantitative research for understanding our experiences in nature. Students will be evaluated based on attendance, in-class/experiential participation, reading responses, and a final project that demonstrates depth of understanding on a topic of their choice in the Psychology of Nature. A note about accessibility: This will be an inclusive experience and you are not expected to be able to hike the Appalachian Trail or canoe the Allagash. It will be a “choose your challenge” approach with respect to both difficulty/strenuousness and degree of “nature” that is involved, although you are expected to dress appropriately for being outside during the experiential sessions. Outdoor adventurers of all sorts are welcome from the intrepid to the trepid and everyone in between.

Prerequisites:

None.

Always visit the Registrar's Office for the official course catalog and schedules.