ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 355.A
COURSE SYLLABUS 

Introduction: We have only recently become painfully aware of the abuse and misuse of our natural environment.  But, while steps are being taken to restore balance between man and his environment, efforts must be increased if our planet is to remain inhabitable.  Accompanying this increased concern for the effects of humans on the environment has been an increased interest in the effect of the environment on human life.  Many unsupported opinions exist regarding the physical, emotional, and behavioral effects of excessive noise, crowding, air pollution, and other environmental factors.  The recent emergence of the discipline of environmental psychology reflects the efforts of psychologists and other social scientists to gain some empirically based answers concerning the issues posed above.  The present course is designed to provide you an introduction to some of these findings in this new field and to increase your awareness and understanding of person-environment relationships.

Attendance Policy: Regular class attendance is very important since materials, videos, and exercises not in the text will be included in class sessions, and the student will be responsible for all class activities.  Attendance for scheduled exams is mandatory, and makeup tests will be given only in the instructor's judgment of extreme hardship.

Exams and Grading Policy: There will be four exams and a comprehensive final (see schedule below).  Grades will be assigned according to the following criteria: 90-100% = A,  80-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, less than 60% = F (based on the total number of points for all five exams).  The instructor retains the right to lower these criteria, but they will not be raised under any circumstances.

COURSE SCHEDULE