Cognition and Learning in the Anthropocene

<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>