Arctic Friluftsliv

This course is mandatory for students in the one year program in Arktisk friluftsliv and the bachelor program in Arktisk friluftsliv og naturguiding. The course is also open for inbound exchange students. There is a limited number of places for inbound students.

The course is taught in the first semester in the academic year. It is practically oriented, informed by theory. The course will provide the students with basic skills, knowledge and experiences in Arctic friluftsliv. The course includes field excursions of shorter and longer duration during autumn/ early winter, including overnight stays in tents. The excursions and activities take place in various natural environments such as mountains and plateaus, forests, lakes, and waterways. For all trips there are associated requirements.

The field trips require that students have a good physical capacity. That means students must be able to be active on excursions for multiple days and carry a personal backpack with sufficient equipment. Adequate early winter outdoor equipment is required, see equipment list. Previous experience from outdoor activities or sports is highly recommended. Experience from multiday hikes in the outdoors is an advantage. The students must be able to swim and should have basic first aid skills.

Knowledge

• Acquire the theoretical background for the practical skills needed to travel safely in various natural environments
• Insight into sustainable travel in Arctic nature
• Demonstrate an insight regarding the traditional usage of nature based on the underlying cultural heritage in the North

• Understand the main concepts of Norwegian friluftsliv management
• Comprehend friluftsliv and outdoor life in international contexts

Skills

• Acquire the needed practical skills that enables the students to travel safely during different activities, independently and with a group
• Ability to navigate in various terrain and under different weather conditions
• Demonstrate methods and routines for planning, performing, debriefing and risk assessment
• Apply theoretical perspectives before, during and after field trips, including writing academic texts
• Perform sustainable travel in nature in a natural and cultural context

General competence

• Reflect on personal skills and experiences and the connection between theory and practice in outdoor life
• Reflect on and apply collaborative skills and group dynamic processes to create good learning environments
• Display a deeper understanding of a sustainable outdoor life

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

• FRI-1440 Arctic friluftsliv and outdoor leadership 1 10 ects
• FRI-1805 Outdoor Life Activities 5 ects

Language of instruction and examination

The Arctic Friluftsliv course is available for inbound exchange students. There are no academic prerequisites to add this module in your Learning Agreement. Previous experience from outdoor activities or sports is however recommended. The students must have a good physical capacity. Students must be able to be active on excursions for multiple days in the field and carry backpack with sufficient equipment. The students must also be able to swim and should have basic first aid skills.

Application deadline for exchange students and Fulbright students: 15 October

More info about the coursework requirements

Coursework requirements:

• lectures and teaching sessions (80% participation)
• field excursions and projects (100% participation)
• pre-and post-work for excursions and projects (100% participation)
• required skill-tests and written papers

Re-sit examination