SPL-3014 Arctic Cities Field Course - 20 stp

The course is mandatory for students in Nordic Urban Planning Masters doing their 3rd semester in Tromsø.

The course may also be taken as a singular course.

This course explores essential elements of urban development in the Arctic, examining how urban areas in this region are being transformed and reorganized in response to their unique socio-cultural, environmental and spatial dynamics. Students will explore what urbanization means for communities in an Arctic context and critically engage with conventional urban theories, which often overlook unique forms of urbanization occurring outside global metropolitan networks. The course examines contested landscapes, focusing on how conflicting interests, values, and spatial uses influence urban and regional development in the Arctic. Students are encouraged to reflect on the complexities of Arctic urbanization, particularly the interplay between nature and culture, center and periphery, and majority and minority cultures, which challenge traditional planning methods and practices.

Field studies in a Northern city form an integral part of the course, offering students valuable practical experience. The course combines theoretical insights into regional development with analytical tools to examine ongoing urban development processes. Emphasis is placed on understanding how planning methods and tools are applied in real-world scenarios, including conflict management and resolution.

Bachelor degree in social sciences is required. Applicants must have a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (2,5) in the ECTS scale.

The course is open for students accepted in master's degree programmes in social science disciplines.

Application code: 9371

By the end of the course, the student will have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student has:

• insight into the characteristics, challenges, and dynamics of Arctic cities
• a foundational understanding of fieldwork methodology
• analytical insight into the theoretical perspectives for analyzing urbanization, regional development, and interactions between local and global forces

Skills

The student can:

• apply methodological tools relevant to the study and practices of urban planning, development, and process management
• demonstrate group collaboration skills to contribute effectively to teamwork

Competence

The student has:

• an ability to apply theoretical and analytical concepts relevant to urban planning and development in an Arctic environment
• competence in analyzing processes and navigating conflicts within planning practices

The teaching includes a variety of methods to provide a comprehensive learning experience:

• Training in diverse fieldwork methodologies.
• Lectures focused on Arctic urban development and planning.
• Interactive seminars and workshops featuring student presentations.
• Hands-on field studies conducted in an Arctic urban region.