Land and Environment of the Circumpolar North
This course focuses on land and environment in the circumpolar Arctic. The course content includes fivethemes: Arctic landscapes, ecosystems, resources, sustainable resource management and climate change in the Arctic. In the first theme on Arctic landscapes, students will learn about the different components of Arctic landscape including climate and specific features of northern landscapes through different frameworks for thinking about knowledge of the environment. Themes two and three on Arctic ecosystems and resources, will provide students with greater understanding about the complexity of northern land and environment and about the key components of the Arctic environment that represent the basis for resource development. The final two themes involve the impact of climate change on the Arctic and how resource management can secure a sustainable and sound basis for human life in this region.
Through these five themes, the course examines some of the most important issues in land, sea, climate, ecology and natural resources of the North. Together, the course introduces students to the key issues involving interaction between people and the environment in the world's Northern regions. As such, this course will be beneficial to student attempting to better understand the current issues facing the North, as well as those planning to pursue advanced studies about the region or sustainable development.
Knowledge and understanding
The candidate:
- has knowledge of important topics, theories, problems, processes, tools and methods in the land- and environmental studies in the circumpolar North
- is familiar with research and development work in the field
- can update his/her knowledge in the land- and enviromental studies.
- is familiar with the history, traditions, distinctive nature of land and enviroment studies and their place in society
Skills
The candidate
- can apply academic knowledge within the field of land- and environmental studies 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 in the subject of land- and enviroment in the circumpolar north and relate it to an issue
- masters relevant academic tools, techniques and styles
General Competence
The candidate
- has insight into relevant ethical issues relating to the land and enviroment in the circumpolar north
- 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 within land- and environment studies
Written assignments (answers to module questions) an individual home exam. The written assignments are preliminary examinations and 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.
