SGBK20008U Arctic Nature and Society
The aim of this course is to provide a broad introduction to the natural and cultural history and evolution of the Arctic, with an emphasis on Greenland, combined with a modern perspective on arctic societies and their livelihood. During the course we will explore topics and case studies within biology, geology, geography, archaeology, and anthropology, as well as the region’s modern history, political development and options for the future.
Knowledge
At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:
Have a basic knowledge of the arctic natural environment and its origins
Have an overview of the arctic environment and its natural resources as a precondition for cultural evolution and for modern societal, political and economic development
Have knowledge of the interplay between the natural and cultural environment in the Arctic and its consequences locally and globally
Have knowledge of the management of Arctic resources and the political consequences thereof
Skills
At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:
Describe the characteristics and geological-biological development of the Arctic
- Detail the peopling of the Arctic and the cultural history of the region
Understand the political and administrative options for Arctic nations and communities to manage, develop and exploit natural resources
Explain the challenges and opportunities that future climate developments provide Arctic communities and global counterparts
Competences
Synthesize Arctic research spanning disparate fields such as biology, archaeology, sociology, geochemistry, anthropology, geopolitics and climate change research
Analyse, outline and present the evolution of the Arctic as a natural environment and as a stage for arctic societies
Facilitate a discussion on a wide range of topics relating to the Arctic at an advanced level
Prepare the foundation for future research and employment focussing on the Arctic
See Absalon for list of course literature
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 42
- Preparation
- 128
- Practical exercises
- 6
- Project work
- 29
- Exam
- 1
- Total
- 206
Open for credit transfer students and other external students. Apply here:
Credit transfer students apply here
Other external students apply here
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 20 min
- Type of assessment details
- Oral exam with 20 minutes preparation time
- Exam registration requirements
The students must give a 10 minute presentation and an essay on a topic assigned by the course teacher. Completing these is mandatory for being eligible to take the final oral exam.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners.
- Re-exam
As ordinary exam
If the student has not fulfilled the exam registration requirements the student must hand in an essay with a topic that is chosen by the teacher. The essay must be approved by the teacher three weeks before the re-exam.
Criteria for exam assesment
See Learning outcomes
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- SGBK20008U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 4
- Schedule
- C
- Course capacity
- 20
Study board
- Study Board for the Biological Area
Contracting departments
- Globe
- The Natural History Museum of Denmark
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Course Coordinators
- Morten Meldgaard (MMeldgaard@sund.ku.dk)
- Nina Lundholm (nlundholm@snm.ku.dk)
Lecturers
Lecturers from:SNM, NBI, National Museum of Denmark, Department of Anthropology (KU-HUM), Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies (KU-HUM), Nordic Institute of Asian Studies (KU-HUM), Law (KU-JUR), and political Science (KU-SAMF).