PSY 200 - Psychological Insights (SYS) (1)

What does psychology have to do with environmental problems? Lots! At its root, nearly every environmental problem has its roots in human behavior. In this course we will draw on facets of cognitive, social, and behavioral psychology to understand how people develop (and cling to) particular attitudes; why education is often ineffective at changing behavior; how social systems sustain “business as usual” and make behavioral change difficult; and the kinds of things that are effective at changing attitudes and behaviors. The course includes a mix of theoretical and applied psychology; utilizes a problem-solving approach; and will incorporate an analysis of a local environmental problem/issue designed to nudge people toward more sustainable behaviors. Only open to sophomores.
(Sophomore Year Seminar (SYS)) (Social Science)