Information Package / Course Catalogue
Environmental Psychology
Course Code: PM414
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 0
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 3
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to enable students to comprehend human-environment interaction from an environmental psychology perspective. Within the course, the effects of environmental stress factors such as urban pressure, noise, and environmental pollution on human behaviour and well-being are examined; the relationships between landscape perception, place identity, and user behaviour are addressed. Students are expected to gain environmental sensitivity and awareness and to integrate this knowledge into landscape planning and design processes.

Course Content

Fundamental concepts and historical development of environmental psychology; theories of human-environment interaction; environmental perception, cognitive maps, and spatial representation; density, crowding, and personal space; noise, air quality, and thermal comfort; environmental stress and coping; place identity and place attachment; restorative environments; social and psychological dimensions of urban open spaces; sustainable environmental behaviour; psychological approaches in landscape design and planning; social, aesthetic, and environmental assessment of cities. Assessment is based on written exams, class participation/performance, and assignments. In-semester evaluation consists of participation/performance, assignments, and midterm exam totalling 40%. End-of-semester evaluation is based on the final exam (60%).

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Ability to explain the fundamental concepts, theoretical approaches, and historical development of environmental psychology.
2.Ability to analyse human-environment interaction in terms of perception, cognition, and behaviour; to evaluate the individual and societal effects of environmental stress factors.
3.Ability to relate place identity, place attachment, and restorative environment concepts to landscape planning and design processes.
4.Ability to evaluate the landscape management process by taking into account user perception and behaviour and the social dimension of management decisions.
5.Ability to conduct a holistic assessment of urban spaces from social, environmental, aesthetic, and political perspectives through an environmental psychology lens.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Göregenli, M., 2010. Çevre Psikolojisi: İnsan-Mekan İlişkileri, İstanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi Yayınları.
2.Morval, J., 1985. Çevre Psikolojisine Giriş. Çevirin Nuri Bilgin.Ege Üniversitesi basımevi, Bornova-İzmir
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction to environmental psychology: fundamental definitions, concepts, and scope of the discipline; the intersection of psychology and environmental science.
Week 2 - Theoretical
Historical development of environmental psychology: pioneering studies, founding figures, and the discipline's place in Turkey.
Week 3 - Theoretical
Basic theories and approaches in environmental psychology: ecological approach, arousal theories, adaptation level.
Week 4 - Theoretical
Basic theories and approaches in environmental psychology: stress-coping models, restorative environment theories.
Week 5 - Theoretical
Environmental perception and cognitive maps: perception processes, environmental preference, Lynch's urban image approach.
Week 6 - Theoretical
Personal space, privacy, and territorial behaviour: concepts, cultural differences, and reflections on urban design.
Week 7 - Theoretical
Social Density and Crowding: The concept of density, the psychological effects of crowding, and evaluation in the urban context.
Week 8 - Theoretical
Environmental stress factors: the effects of noise, air pollution, and thermal comfort on human behaviour.
Week 9 - Theoretical
Place identity, place attachment, and sense of place: conceptual framework, measurement methods, and relationship with landscape design.
Week 10 - Theoretical
Social and psychological dimensions of urban open spaces: the effect of parks, squares, and public spaces on user behaviour.
Week 11 - Theoretical
Restorative environments and human well-being: nature-human interaction, healing landscapes, biophilic design principles.
Week 12 - Theoretical
Environmental awareness, sensitivity, and sustainable behaviour: environmental attitudes, pro-environmental behaviour models.
Week 13 - Theoretical
Landscape management and user perception: the relationship of user behaviour with the social dimension of management decisions; participatory approaches.
Week 14 - Theoretical
Evaluating cities: examining urban spaces from social, environmental, aesthetic, and political perspectives through an environmental psychology lens; general evaluation.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures1%5
Assignment4%20
Midterm Examination1%15
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory141242
Individual Work141128
Midterm Examination1415
Final Examination1415
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)80
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
OÇ-1
2
2
1
2
OÇ-2
2
2
1
1
2
OÇ-3
3
2
2
1
2
OÇ-4
3
3
1
1
OÇ-5
2
2
2
2
2
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026