Indigenous (Sámi) Spirituality and Religious Beliefs (5cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

The focus for the course is to provide participants with a broad and comprehensive understanding and series of insights into Sámi religion and spiritual traditions, both past and present. Moreover, the critical function religions and spirituality plays within Sámi society.

After completion of the course the student is able to understand, comprehend and discuss
- how Sámi religion, sacrifice and drum use is characterized through the relationship with the landscape and natural world
- in what ways the continuity of practices related to sacrifice is still evident in some areas in Finnish Lapland
- the roles and functions art plays as a mediator and bridge in Sámi culture, and between the human world and nature in general
- how the drum and its painted landscapes are a representation of Sámi identity
- why traditions matter and the importance of cultural heritage in Sámi society and impacts of cultural appropriation in relation to tourism.

Execution methods

Lectures (15 h) field-work (tbc)/group work (8h), fieldwork diary, individual work (107 h).

Accomplishment methods

Active participation in the lectures, reading requested course materials, group work, fieldwork diary and a successful completion of a written essay.

Content

The content of the course will cover the following subjects:
1) The historical background; important sources discussing drum use, sacrifice and Sámi pre-Christian religion
2) The sacred Sámi drum as an instrument of divination, trance and ecstasy from the missionary sources
3) Why Sámi drums, their use and symbolism were seen as such a threat by the authorities
4) Sámi religion and drum use going underground
5) The outlawing of sacrificial practices – how and why
6) The re-emergence of drums in contemporary Sámi society
7) The types of evidence available for the practices of sacrifice and Sámi religion in contemporary culture
8) Sámi cultural heritage and tourism in Finland.

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.

Qualifications

There are no previous studies required.