University of the Arctic - Circumpolar Studies

Skip navigation Home / Contact / Search / Sitemap / FAQ / Russian / Catalogue / Atlas / Internal Beginning of navigation

Home / Students / Circumpolar Studies / BCS Core Courses

BCS322: Peoples and Cultures of the Circumpolar World II

Thu, Sep 06, 2007

Course Description

This course aims to promote an integrated and multidisciplinary understanding of the circumpolar peoples and their adaptations and contributions to social, economic, political, and environmental changes. This includes an introduction to Aboriginal cultures, a discussion of the Western presence in the circumpolar regions, and an examination of contemporary northern peoples. Consideration is given to culture/ethnicity, gender issues, media and journalism, national and regional identity, and international connections and co-operation. The course is divided into twelve modules, including an initial overview of primary/secondary societies, the emergence of tertiary societies, and a description of self-determination, followed by sections on identity & language, media, arts & literature, and education, recreation & family, respective to the three primary Circumpolar regions: North America & Greenland, Siberia & Northern Asia, and Northern Scandinavia & Northwest Russia.

Upon successful completion of Peoples and Cultures II, students will:

Acquire a broad and basic understanding of the histories and experiences of the peoples of the Circumpolar North, and the development of northern cultures;
Develop an understanding of the similarities and differences of northern peoples and cultures, their adaptations to change, and their roles as agents of change;
Gain an appreciation of the cultural diversity of the Circumpolar North;
Develop an understanding of basic research methods and an appreciation of ethical issues confronting contemporary northern researchers;
Hone their critical thinking and writing abilities; and
Develop the skills necessary to research, write, and critically evaluate academic papers.

Course Outline

Introduction	An Introduction
Module 1	Self-Determination as a Contemporary Characteristic
Module 2	Identity and Language
Module 3	Media, Arts, and Literature
Module 4	Education, Recreation, and Family
Module 5	Identity and Language
Module 6	Media, Arts, and Literature
Module 7	The Education, Recreation, and Family of the Small-Numbered Peoples of Russia
Module 8	Identity and Language
Module 9	Sami Media, Arts, and Literature
Module 10	Education, Recreation, and Family
Module 11	Research in the North: Emerging Issues and Practices
Conclusion	Conclusion