Introduction to the Arctic (5op)

Arviointiasteikko

H-5

Tavoitteet

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.
.

Toteutustavat

Teaching profile: FACE-TO-FACE.
Lectures and exercises (18 h), excursion (8 h), independent work (110 h).

Suoritustavat

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

Sisältö

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.

Oppimateriaalit

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.

Stammler-Gossmann, A. (2010). 'Translating' vulnerability at the community level: Case study from the Russian North. In G. K. Hovelsrud & B. Smit (Eds.), Community Adaptation and Vulnerability in Arctic Regions. Chapter 6. Berlin: Springer. Pp. 131–162.

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). Living-by-the-river: Means, meanings and sense of place. In A. Rosenholm et al. (Eds). Cold Waters – Flows of Knowledge and Means of Thinking. Springer.

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/

Stammler-Gossmann, A. (2012). The Big Water of a Small River: Flood Experiences and a Community Agenda for Change. Chapter 4. In M. Tennberg. (Ed.) Governing the Uncertain in the Arctic: Adaptation and Climate Change in Russia and Finland: 55–82.

Stammler-Gossmann, A. (2010). Political animals of Sakha Yakutia. In F. Stammler F. & H. Takakura (Eds.) Good to eat, good to live with: Nomads and animals in Northern Eurasia and Africa. Sendai: Center for Northeast Asian Studies, Tohoku University: 153–178.

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

Arviointikriteerit, tyydyttävä (1)

Fail (0): Performance is highly deficient or erroneous. The work may be based on serious misunderstandings.

Sufficient (1): Performance is lacking in scope, is superficial, or corresponds poorly to the assignment. The work may contain errors or obscurities.

Satisfactory (2): Performance corresponds somewhat to the assignment, but may contain obscurities. The author merely lists things out of context or addresses them one-sidedly.

Arviointikriteerit, hyvä (3)

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

Very good (4): Performance manifests extensive comprehension as well as skills of interpretation and critical reflection. The work corresponds well to the assignment, and creates a coherent and consistent whole.

Arviointikriteerit, kiitettävä (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.

Esitietovaatimukset

No previous studies required.