Critical Arctic Studies (5cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

After completing this course, the doctoral researcher is able to:
- understand the role of critique and develop a critical attitude in research
- obtain a comprehension of different critical approaches that can be applied in social, political, legal and human sciences
- identify motivations for critical research in the context of Arctic developments and phenomena
- discuss critically current Arctic developments and environmental, socio-economic, legal and political debates
- apply critical approaches in one’s own research.

Execution methods

Teaching profile: HYBRID 3

Content

During the course, doctoral researchers will gain an understanding of what critique and a critical attitude in research means. The course introduces different approaches that can be applied broadly in studies of the peoples, societies, environment and envisioned futures of the Arctic.

Materials

Critical Studies of the Arctic: Unravelling the North (2022, Palgrave Macmillan, co-editor with Heidi Sinevaara-Niskanen and Monica Tennberg).

Teaching methods

A course with an introductory lecture (2h), 8h of reading circle meetings with assigned readings an exercise in critical analysis involving group work, presentations, and discussions. Writing a learning journal.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

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

1 Sufficient
The doctoral researcher has identified some key concepts and aspects in the research field. Performance is lacking in scope, superficial, or corresponds poorly to the assignment. The doctoral researcher merely lists things out of context, or addresses them one-sidedly. The work may contain errors or obscurities.

2 Satisfactory
The doctoral researcher has identified the key concepts and aspects in the research field. The performance mainly repeats the content of the course or addresses them one-sidedly.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

3 Good
The doctoral researcher has addressed the issue comprehensively. Performance corresponds to the assignment, manifesting skills to analyse and justify the content of the course. The work may contain some deficiencies.

4 Very Good
The doctoral researcher has addressed the issue comprehensively. Performance manifests comprehension, insight, and skills to critically analyse and argue the content of the course.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

5 Excellent
The work demonstrates independent and original thinking, and it is exceptionally well written and implemented.