AS-370 Integrated Arctic Studies: From History and Governance to Practical Field Safety (5 ECTS)

Grade:	Pass/not passed
Course cost:	None
Course capacity min/max:	None
Language of instruction:	English
Course materials:	Material will be published in Canvas
Examination support material:	Bilingual dictionary between English and mother tongue

This course is a part of a semester package and can not be taken separately.

Course requirements

The course is only open for students taking 30 ECTS over a full autumn semester at UNIS

Academic content

The ambition of this course is to give the students a broad understanding of the most important factors that influence research and teaching activities in the high Arctic and Svalbard particularly.

Learning outcomes

The course aims at giving the students introduction to the historical and political parameters and natural hazards in Svalbard and skills and methods on how to avoid accidents during fieldwork, as well as methods in accident scene management.

Knowledge

Upon completing the course, the students will:

Have an overview of Svalbard’s history from its discovery in 1596 to the present day, covering main aspects of economic and scientific activity, politics, social and cultural development
Have insight into how alliances and strategic competition affect security and stability in the Arctic
Be able to understand the main climate changes occurring on Svalbard and describe their main effects on glaciers, sea ice, ecosystems, and local communities
Have insight in how the Svalbard Treaty and Norwegian law regulate sovereignty and activity on Svalbard
Have acquired basic knowledge of potential risk scenarios in Svalbard and the high Arctic

Skills

Upon completing the course, the students will:

Be able to understand how geography, natural resources, and climate change shape political interests in the Arctic
Be able to assess how states use a variety of tools to promote their interests in the region
Be able to understand how legal regime define Norway’s authority in Svalbard
Have basic skills in navigation and use of communicative tools such as GPS, VHF, and satellite telephone
Have basic skills in correct use of emergency camp equipment and rescue equipment for use at sea, on land and on glaciers
Have adequate skills in handling a rifle and flare gun for polar bear protection in a safe way and being able to train others in use of this equipment

General competences

Upon completing the course, the student will:

have acquired a wider cultural context and a historical perspective on their disciplinary studies and life in Svalbard
Be able to reflect on how geography and power structures influence international relations in the Arctic and in Svalbard
Be able to reflect on how climate change in Svalbard illustrates the relationship between human activity, environmental change, and global responsibility
Be able to reflect on international law versus national interest
Be able to choose the correct type of clothing and equipment for their planned activity
Be able to recognize dangers in relation to polar bears, weather, avalanches, glaciers and sea ice and by doing so, be able to avoid accidents
Have adequate competence in planning and accomplishing fieldwork and private trips under Arctic conditions

Learning activities

The course extends over 16 weeks.

Lectures, seminars, field training and exercises.

Compulsory learning activities

Practical assignments related to HSE and safety training
At least 80% attendance is required to have the course approved

All compulsory learning activities must be approved to sit the exam.

Assessment

Method	Percent of final grade
Poster presentation (group)	100%