Environmental Perception and Experience
Information from the course leader
IMPORTANT: Policy document for students
Course evaluation
The course evaluation is now closed
MP0005-10214 - Course evaluation report
Once the evaluation is closed, the course coordinator and student representative have 1 month to draft their comments. The comments will be published in the evaluation report.
Additional course evaluations for MP0005
Academic year 2024/2025
Environmental Perception and Experience (MP0005-10014)
2024-09-02 - 2025-01-19
Academic year 2022/2023
Environmental Perception and Experience (MP0005-10013)
2022-08-29 - 2023-01-15
Academic year 2021/2022
Environmental Perception and Experience (MP0005-10291)
2021-08-30 - 2022-01-16
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
MP0005 Environmental Perception and Experience, 15.0 Credits
Miljöperception och upplevelseSubjects
Environmental Psychology Environmental PsychologyEducation cycle
Master’s levelModules
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 15.0 | 0101 |
Advanced study in the main field
Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirementsMaster’s level (A1N)
Grading scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits and English 6Objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the students with an introduction to environmental psychology, including the effect of the environment on people as well as how people affect the environment, and knowledge on theories of environmental perception. Environmental perception refers to the subjective ways in which groups and individuals perceive and evaluate the environment, while at the same time being an active part of it. The course deals with all aspects of environmental experiencing, i.e. perception, cognition and appraisal. Focus is on visual perception, soundscapes and the haptic sense. Appropriate research methods are introduced.
After completion of the course, the student will be able to:
• describe and discuss human/environment interactions based on sensory modalities and cognitive processes
• describe and discuss relevant theoretical perspectives and concepts regarding the effects of outdoor environments on people,
• analyse people’s subjective understanding of and interactions with outdoor environments depending on different aspects, for example gender, age, social situation, cultural context, mood, functional abilities, or health,
• analyse outdoor environments regarding physical properties, for example structure, patterns, colour that may affect people’s perception and experience, through the use of different tools.
Content
The course is characterised by studies of effects of and experiences in the outdoor environment. Literature studies and exercises will provide training in the ability to investigate and analyse people’s fundamental perceptions, experience, and preferences in relation to the outdoor environment. Theoretical studies are based on literature in environmental psychology and related disciplines. Students do most of their tasks from a distance, but campus meetings can be arranged. Group exercises, including written and oral presentation, and written individual assignments are mandatory.
Grading form
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.Formats and requirements for examination
Participation in compulsory elements. Successful completion of individual assignments and group exercises.
If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Other information
The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Additional information
The course is given as a distance course at 50% speed.Basic skills in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Psychology, Pedagogy, or Environmental Science are recommended.
Responsible department
Department of People and Society
Further information
Litterature list
Environmental Perception and Experience (MP0005) – Literature
All compulsory literature will be available either as direct downloads or as links from our digital platform Canvas. If you want the actual physical books, they can normally be bought through online bookstores, although new copies (hardcover or e-book) of Gifford’s book are probably only available directly from the publisher: https://optimalenvironments.com/
**Compulsory Literature **
Gifford, R. (2014). Environmental Psychology: principles and practice, 5th ed. Chapters 1–3
Mather, G. (2011). Essentials of sensation and perception. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315787275/essentials-sensation-perception-george-mather. E-book
Steg, L., Berg, A. E. van den., & De Groot, J. I. M. (2012). Environmental psychology : an introduction. Wiley-Blackwell. Chapters 4 and 6. E-book
Ode, Å., Hagerhall, C. M., & Sang, N. (2010). Analysing visual landscape complexity: Theory and application. Landscape Research, 35(1), 111–131. https://doi.org/10.1080/01426390903414935
Tveit, M. S., & Sang, A. O. (2014). Landscape assessment in metropolitan areas – developing a visual indicator-based approach. Spool, 1(1), 301–316. https://doi.org/10.7480/spool.2014.1.641
Tveit, M., Ode, Å., & Fry, G. (2006). Key concepts in a framework for analysing visual landscape character. Landscape Research, 31(3), 229–255. https://doi.org/10.1080/01426390600783269
Stoltz, J. (2019). Perceived Sensory Dimensions - A Human-Centred Approach to Environmental Planning and Design. (Above all the Discussion section on PSDs). http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1374120/FULLTEXT01.pdf
and/or
Stoltz, J, Grahn, P. (2021a). Perceived Sensory Dimensions: An Evidence-based Approach to Greenspace Aesthetics. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 126989
Additional Journal Articles
Additionally, scientific journal papers will be used in course assignments in the second half of the course. These will be announced later and will all be available via the SLU library or through the online digital platform Canvas.
**Notes on Availability
**Access to e-books, articles from scientific journals and some search engines normally require a connection through the SLU domain (slu.se). This can be achieved either directly at the SLU campuses or indirectly (e.g. at home) via VPN. Instructions on how to connect to the SLU network through VPN can be found here: https://student.slu.se/en/study-support/it-support/support/access-to-databases-requires-vpn/