CSP 4 Nature from the Inside Out

How do humans relate to the natural world, and how have writers, scientists, and others theorized this relationship? This course explores nature “from the inside out” using an interdisciplinary approach, focusing primarily on the fields of literature and psychology, in order to better understand individual and collective experiences of natural environments--including urban green spaces. We will examine a range of topics, including how the natural world has been conceived by authors from the 18th century through present day; how our own experiences of natural environments shape cognition, behavior, and well-being; and how our environment is in turn shaped by our actions. In keeping with our theme, we will not only study these ideas inside the classroom--we will also venture outside on a series of field trips to different natural spaces in and around Los Angeles, where students will apply course concepts firsthand.