Current active subject description (last updated 2023/24)
An Introduction to the Humanities and to the Circumpolar North
BCS105X
Current active subject description (last updated 2023/24)

An Introduction to the Humanities and to the Circumpolar North

BCS105X
The course is organized in two parts: Part 1 - An introduction to the Humanities: introduces students to the humanities as a framework for understanding, interpreting and critically evaluating what is presented in Part 2 of this course and in all the other courses making up the Bachelor of Circumpolar Studies. An introduction to the Circumpolar World: introduces students to the main themes of the Bachelor of Circumpolar Studies.

The course is divided into two parts:

  • Part 1 - An introduction to the Humanities: introduces students to the humanities as a framework for understanding, interpreting and critically evaluating what is presented in Part 2 of this course and in all the other courses making up the Bachelor of Circumpolar Studies. Here the development of science in general is presented, from Ancient Greece, via the Enlightenment up until today. Then attention is directed towards the Humanities, its origins, its status in relation to other sciences, its classic and contemporary contributions, the various disciplines, perspectives and research methodologies, as well as the humainities' role in society.
  • Part 2 - An introduction to the Circumpolar World: introduces students to the main themes of the Bachelor of Circumpolar Studies. The course begins with an examination of the geography and the biological and physical systems of the Sub-Arctic and Arctic, before it turns its attention to the indigenous and contemporary peoples of the region. The history of the Circumpolar World is treated in a broad fashion, to provide an introduction to the events and developments that have created the region's contemporary features. The second part of the course looks at some of the particular challenges facing the region today, including climate change, economic, political and social development
Admission occurs based on general study competence (university entrance) according to current Norwegian regulations.

Knowledge

The candidate

  • has knowledge of important topics, theories, problems, processes, tools and methods in the subject area the Circumpolar North
  • is familiar with research and development work in the field the Circumpolar North
  • can update his/her knowledge in the subject area the Circumpolar North
  • is familiar with the subject area’s history, traditions, distinctive nature and place in society

Skills

  • can apply academic knowledge to practical and theoretical problems and explain his/her choices
  • can reflect on his/her own academic practice and adjust it under supervision
  • can find, assess and refer to information and academic material and relate it to an issue
  • masters relevant academic tools, techniques and styles

General Competence

  • has insight into relevant ethical issues relating to the field/ profession
  • can plan and carry out tasks and projects alone or as part of a group and in accordance with ethical requirements and principles
  • can present important academic material such as theories, problems and solutions, both in writing and orally, as well as using other relevant forms of communication
  • can exchange opinions with others with a background in the field and participate in discussions concerning the development of good practice
  • is familiar with new ideas and innovative processes
No costs except semester registration fee and syllabus literature.
Compulsory for the Bachelor of Circumpolar and Nordic Studies. Elective course for other students at Nord University.
Online lectures and written assignments (answers to module questions). The written assignments are preliminary examinations and the individual home exam have to be successfully completed in order for the student to be able to receive the formal grade and credits.
The course is evaluated annually by students by way of mid-term evaluation and final evaluation. These evaluations are included in the university¿s quality assurance system.

Written assignments and individual written home exam.The written assignments are preliminary examinations and the individual home exam have to be successfully completed in order for the student to be able to receive the formal grade and credits.

The exam must be answered in English.