Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 December 

Exchange students and Fulbright students: 1 October 

Type of course

Admission requirements

Admission requirements:

Nordic applicants: Generell studiekompetanse. Admission procedures for foreign applicants, please read: https://en.uit.no/education/art?p_document_id=351800

Admission code: 9199

Course content

This course will introduce students to the important structures and forces affecting the sustainability of Circumpolar communities. Students will examine the population trends in the circumpolar region, natural resource use and the economies of these communities, as well as economic ownership.

This course will provide students with an appreciation of the main challenges confronting the peoples and communities of the world's northern regions. As such, it will be beneficial to students attempting to better understand the current questions facing the North as well as to those planning to pursue advanced studies regarding the region.

Objectives of the course

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge

• Present and discuss the main issues concerning life and well-being of peoples in the Circumpolar North today, and the conditions for social, economic and ecological sustainable development of Northern societies.

Skills

• Apply an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Circumpolar North in order to describe the complexity of Northern societies, with a special focus on the different economic systems operating in the region.

General competence

• Reflect critically on the multi-faceted reality of the Circumpolar North by referring to contemporary issues and the historical background of the region.

Language of instruction

Teaching methods

Bachelor students: Mainly teacher presentations, group work and group discussions, supported by digital learning resources.

Online students: The course is composed of separate modules for online studies.  Students are required to submit answers to the individual module questions. Teaching and feedback will be given. Streamed materials will also be available.  A guideline for self-study will be provided. 

Quality assurance; Before the end of every course, an evaluation of the course will be arranged in collaboration with the teacher and the student.

Assessment

Assignments: 

Online students: Assignments to teacher-supplied questions.  The assignments have to be approved by the teacher(s) responsible for the course before students are allowed to sit the final exam.

Bachelor students: 3 written assignments to teacher-supplied questions.The assignments have to be approved by the teacher(s) responsible for the course before students are allowed to sit the final exam. Class attendance is obligatory (at least 75%).

Exam:

A final written, home exam (3 days). Grading: scale A - F, A - E are passing grades, F is a fail.

Guidelines for retaking examination, see Regulations for examinations at the UiT, Chapter IV for Postponed, re-sit and extraordinary examinations, etc.

Recommended reading/syllabus