Arctic Winter friluftsliv

This course is mandatory for students in the one year program in Arktisk friluftsliv, the bachelor program in Arktisk friluftsliv og naturguiding, and is also open for inbound exchange students. Number of exchange students is limited to 15.

The course is taught in the 2. semester in the academic year. It is mainly practically oriented, informed by theory and experience. It will provide the students with basic skills, knowledge and experiences in Arctic winter friluftsliv. The course includes ski-based field excursions of shorter and longer duration during the Arctic winter season, including overnight stays in tents and snow shelters. In addition to the field excursions, there are associated practical requirements for each trip. These requirements include the demonstration of various practical winter skills, which must be passed to be able to take the exam. Additionally, there will be assignments focused on the dissemination of theory.

On successful completion of the course, students will have acquired the following overall learning outcomes in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

• Describe how to practice basic winter friluftsliv activities in order to take care of basic needs and safety in winter conditions.

• Explain the personal clothing and equipment necessary for practicing winter friluftsliv
• Understand how different aspects of outdoor leadership and group dynamics in the outdoors affects the individual and groups learning and experiences.
• Understand the basics of winter conditions with regards to weather, snow and avalanche-conditions.
• Understand the main concepts of management of Norwegian friluftsliv.
• Have insights into Norwegian friluftsliv in relation to the international context

Skills

• Practice basic winter friluftsliv activities and winter camp life.
• Employ knowledge to assure proper clothing and equipment for winter activities, and be able to take care of self and others in winter conditions
• Travel on and off trail on skis with necessary equipment using backpack and/or pulkas
• Demonstrate skills, methods and routines for planning and performing winter trips
• Ability to navigate in winter terrain in Arctic weather conditions and make necessary judgements and decisions regarding safety issues, including avalanche safety

General competence

• Explain and adapt the requirements concerning the competence and equipment required for practising friluftsliv in Arctic winter conditions
• Explain and adapt routines and skills for ensuring safety and comfort during winter activities
• Demonstrate reflective skills with regards to own experiences and learning outcomes
• Be able to engage in discussions on cultural perspectives of friluftsliv and other outdoor cultures.
• Demonstrate and employ care for nature in all activities

• Demonstrate, apply and reflect on cooperative skills and group dynamics required for creating experiences and learning.

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-1800 Outdoor life activities - Autumn 3 ects
• FRI-1802 Outdoor life activities - Autumn 3 ects
• FRI-1805 Outdoor Life Activities 3 ects

Language of instruction and examination

The Arctic Winter Friluftsliv course is targeted students interested in winter friluftsliv, skiing and safety in winter conditions.

The field trips are ski based. It is beneficial that the students have prior skiing experience using nordic cross country (fjellski) or ski touring/ randonnee. The students need to have sufficient physical capacity, enabling them to be active on excursions for multiple days on fjellski or skitouring/randonnee equipment Adequate personal outdoor equipment for winter field trips is required, see equipment list. Students must be able to speak, write and read English at a proficient level. Previous experience from outdoor activities/friluftsliv is an advantage but it is not a requirement.

This course is available for inbound exchange students. There are no academic prerequisites to add this module in your Learning Agreement.

Application dead line for exchange students and Fulbright students: 15 October

More info about the coursework requirements

• active participation in 80 % of lectures and teaching sessions
• approved participation in all field excursions and projects
• approved participation in all pre- and post-work for excursions and projects. Pre- and post-work includes evaluation, reflections and written papers, both in groups and individually.
• passed all required skill-tests (such as orienteering, primus cooking, ski teaching session)

Overview over assignments and requirements will be given in the course plan.

Re-sit examination