Introduction to the Arctic (5cr)

Objective

The introductory course aims to establish a common ground for further Arctic studies.

After completion of the course, the student is able to
- discuss the main features of Arctic nature and society
- distinguish different approaches and multidisciplinary character of the Arctic research
- discuss some geophysical phenomena, which occur only in northern areas or do have particular consequences there
- judge the viability of information given, e.g. in media regarding the Arctic areas
- discuss living in a cold environment and the uses of cold.

Content

The course contains the following themes:
- Introduction to the circumpolar Arctic and its complexities in the fields of natural sciences, law and politics, people, cultures and identities, as well as society and economy
- Definition of the Arctic from different ecological viewpoints
- Definition of the Arctic/North as space and place from a representational viewpoint – concepts, images, discourses
- Living in a cold environment and uses of cold
- Introduction to the nature and natural resources of Arctic and Boreal Regions
- Threats to the Arctic environment
- Land use questions in Sápmiland
- Introduction to the Arctic governance
- Introduction to the Arctic and Antarctic information sources
- One day excursion in Rovaniemi area and visit of the exhibition at the Arktikum-house.

Qualifications

No previous studies required.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Fail: Performance is highly deficient or erroneous. The work may be based on serious misunderstandings.

Sufficient and satisfactory (1-2): Performance is lacking in scope, superficial, or corresponds poorly to the assignment. The author merely lists things out of context or addresses them one-sidedly. The work may contain errors or obscurities.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good and very good (3-4): Performance corresponds to the assignment, manifesting comprehension and a skill to analyse and justify. The author has addressed the issue comprehensively. The work may contain some deficiencies.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): Performance delineates an extensive whole and the author can apply knowledge in a multifaceted way or place it in various contexts. The work manifests independency and insight, and it is a flawless entity that involves justified thinking or critical contemplation. The work is well written and implemented.

Materials

Literature (compulsory):

CAFF (2013). Arctic biodiversity assessment: Status and trends in arctic biodiversity 2013 https://www.caff.is/assessment-series/233-arctic-biodiversity-assessment-2013. Read the following chapters: Introduction; indigenous peoples and biodiversity; and chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 18 and 19.

Larsen, S. N. & Fondahl, G. (Eds.) (2014). Arctic Human Development Report: Regional Processes and Global Linkages. Nordic Council of Ministers, TemaNOrd 2014: 567. http://norden.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:788965/FULLTEXT03.pdf (diva-portal.org). Chapters to read: Summary of major findings; 1. Introduction; 2. Arctic Populations and Migration; 3.Cultures and Identities; 7. Resource Governance; 10. Globalization; 11. Community Viability and Adaptability; and 12. Major Findings and Emerging Trends in Arctic Human Development.

Stammler-Gossmann, A. (2009). Who Is Indigenous? Construction of ’Indigenousness’ in Russian Legislation. International Community Law Review 11 (1): 69–102.

Literature (suggested):

Armstrong, T., Rogers, G. & Rowley, G. (1978). The circumpolar North. A political and economic geography of the Arctic and sub-Arctic. London: Methuen&Co.

Crawford, R. M. M. (2012). Tundra-Taiga Biology: Human, plant, and animal survival in the Arctic. Oxford University Press.

Hamelin, L. E. (1979). Canadian Nordicity: It’s your North, too. Montreal: Harvest House.

Larsen, J. N. et al. (Eds.) (2015). Arctic Social Indicators ASI II: Implementation. Nordic Council of Ministers, TemaNord 2014: 568. http://norden.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:789051/FULLTEXT02.pdf (diva-portal.org).

Stammler-Gossmann, A. (2022). “To be or not to be”? Tourism development plans and the voice of the river. Nordicum-Mediterraneum. Icelandic E-Journal of Nordicum and Mediterranean Studies 17 (3). https://nome.unak.is/wordpress/volume-17-no-3-2022/long-abstract-editor-review/to-be-or-not-to-be-tourism-development-plans-and-the-voice-of-the-river/

Thomas, D. N. et al. (2008). The Biology of Polar regions. Oxford Scholarship online.

Further information

Principle tutor:
Senior Researcher Nuccio Mazzullo, PhD, Arctic Centre.

Lecturers:
University Researcher Anna Stammler-Gossmann, PhD; University Researcher Jukka Jokimäki, PhD; Researcher Marja-Liisa Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki; Senior Researcher Nuccio Mazzullo, PhD; Research Professor Stefan Kirchner, PhD; Research Professor Florian Stammler, PhD; Senior Researcher Mari Kuoppamaa, PhD; Library Information Expert Kati Vuontisjärvi.

Execution methods

Lectures and exercises (18 h), excursion (8 h), independent work (110 h).

Accomplishment methods

Active participation in the lectures, reading requested course material, successful completion of a written exam.