Cognition and Learning in the Anthropocene

Education facts

Code: 917A24

<p>How do our thought patterns and emotions affect our ability to understand, educate and act in a world characterized by ecological crisis? The course Cognition and Learning in the Anthropocene is based on the role of human cognition in the encounter with complex sustainability issues. By uniting theories from didactics, cognitive science, environmental psychology and neuroscience, we explore how perception, attention, emotion and memory shape our relationship with natural environments – and our ability to navigate them.</p><p>The course deals with concepts such as cognitive biases, affective responses and cultural narratives, and how these affect our understanding of so-called "wild problems" – situations where knowledge is incomplete and solutions are disputed. Particular focus is placed on how place-based learning and contact with nature can support cognitive processes that promote ecological awareness and action competence.</p><p>Through a transformative learning perspective, it is discussed how teaching in and about natural environments can be designed to challenge ingrained thought patterns, create new understandings and support sustainability-related identity development. The course is concretized through analysis of didactic situations in outdoor educational contexts, where the student is trained in identifying cognitive and emotional dimensions of learning in nature.</p><p>The course is based on a combination of literature studies, seminars, excursions and didactic design and analysis assignments. The students work both individually and in groups.&nbsp;</p>

Entry requirements

A Teacher or Pre-school Teacher Degree of at least 180 ECTS credits or Bachelor's Degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, with a major in one of the following subjects Education, Pedagogy, Pedagogical work, Biology, Ecology, Geography or Sustainable development or Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, and additional clearly documented work experience of at least one year, full time, in outdoor or sustainability education or the equivalent English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6 eller Engelska nivå 2) Exemption from Swedish

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Cognition and Learning in the Anthropocene

  Linköping University

  Linköping

  Start date: 5 April 2027

  End date: 13 June 2027

  Pace of study: 50 %