Høst 2024

FRI-1435 Arctic Friluftsliv - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Idrettshøgskolen

Type of course

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.

Course overlap

FRI-1805 Outdoor Life Activities 5 ects

Course contents

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.

Objective of the course

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

Language of instruction

English. The exam must be completed in English or Scandinavian.

Teaching methods

The working methods and organization of the course are characterized by active outdoor life and student-driven learning activities. The teaching is facilitated through teacher-led activities indoors and outdoors, multi-day trips, self-guided journeys, student seminars, digital instruction, self-study, and other independent student work. There is a high degree of collaboration in groups where students collectively plan trips, educational activities, and communication of outdoor experiences.