Study Guide

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
- recognize 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.

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.

Materials

Literature (compulsory):
CAFF (2013). Arctic biodiversity assessment: Status and trends in arctic biodiversity. Available at: https://www.caff.is/assessment-series/233-arctic-biodiversity-assessment-2013 (Please read: Introduction, Indigenous peoples and biodiversity, and chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 18, 19).

Larsen, J. N. & Fondahl, G. (Eds) (2014). Arctic Human Development Report: Regional Processes and Global Linkages. TemaNord. Copenhagen: Nordic council of Ministers. Available at: http://norden.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A788965&dswid=-3234 (Chapters: 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 12).


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.

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

Further information

8.9. Lecture will be live online only.

14.9. (8 hours) Excursion to Ounasvaara and Visit to the exhibition of the Arktikum (mandatory).

Evaluation scale

H-5

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

No previous studies required.

Further information

Principle tutor:
University Researcher Jukka Jokimäki, PhD, Arctic Centre.

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