Over the last several decades it has become increasing clear that our society must undergo a significant transition if we are to confront the growing problems associated with climate change, resource scarcity, and ecosystem degradation. While this transition will undoubtedly be difficult, it may also be an opportunity to reshape our world — crafting a future that is both more environmentally sustainable and more capable of enhancing human health and well-being.

If we want to achieve this goal, however, it is vital to first understand human needs and the ways in which human functioning is influenced by the environment. In other words, we need to be able to recognize the kinds of situations that are most likely to support health, well-being, and effective functioning. What’s more, we also need to appreciate how humans react to non-supportive settings.

Therefore the purpose of this seminar is to explore how various physical and conceptual environments positively and negatively impact human functioning and well-being. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding how the human-environment interaction influences multiple dimensions of health and well-being (i.e., physical, psychological, social, spiritual). The course will then use this framework to consider alternative ways to deal with a number of contemporary environmental and social challenges, such as climate change and the shift to a less consumptive, more sustainable lifestyle.

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Class Format:

Seminar