Human-Nature Relations in Arctic Urban Development (5cr)

Objective

After completion of the course the student is able to
- define main characteristics and problematics of urbanisation in the Arctic
- analyse human-nature relations and conflicts in Arctic urban development
- apply Practice theory-based approach to analyse arctic urbanism and its different manifestations in everyday life.

Content

1. A writing task before the course
2. What is a city?
3. A city and change – a walking tour in the Rovaniemi city centre
4. What makes a city arctic?
5. Urban nature in everyday life – a walking tour in the Arctic garden
6. Conflicts in the city
7. Urban metabolism.

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

Given in class.

Further information

Principal tutor:
Research Professor Monica Tennberg, PhD, Arctic Centre

Group size minimum 8 participants, maximum 15.

Execution methods

Reading circle (12 h) based on a selection of articles, group work, walking tours and visits in the city, presentations and discussions. The reading circle meets 6 times, including a writing task before the start of the course. This course is an in situ course.

Accomplishment methods

Reading the articles, participation to group work and presentation of results of group work, participation to the walking tours, and active participation to the discussion about the reading material, and a learning journal.