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Rasmus Gjedssø Bertelsen
and
Brenda Parlee
Arctic communities have diverse histories and roles in local, regional and global economies. However, the scope and scale of globalization has increased so quickly that vulnerable Arctic communities are facing new kinds of challenges to their survival. In this 3-week MOOC, a unique collaboration between the University of Alberta and UiT The Arctic University of Norway, you will investigate the challenges faced by Indigenous, North American, Russian and Nordic Arctic communities in a modern world. So join us as we venture above the 60th parallel North, and explore how these fascinating communities adjust to change while maintaining their ways of life, socio-economic histories, and cultural traditions.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/vc5kp9/arctic
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What's inside
Syllabus
Module 1: Globalization and Sustainable Arctic Economies
Welcome to the first step of your journey into the Arctic! In this module, we will introduce you to a diverse array of Arctic communities across the circumpolar north. You'll gain a basic understanding of the geography, culture and history of the Indigenous, North American, Russian, and Nordic Arctic, along with a few concepts and theories along the way. This foundational module will help us understand the recent changes, specific to and shared by, each of these regions, which have caused so much disruption across the Arctic.
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1: Globalization and Sustainable Arctic Economies
Welcome to the first step of your journey into the Arctic! In this module, we will introduce you to a diverse array of Arctic communities across the circumpolar north. You'll gain a basic understanding of the geography, culture and history of the Indigenous, North American, Russian, and Nordic Arctic, along with a few concepts and theories along the way. This foundational module will help us understand the recent changes, specific to and shared by, each of these regions, which have caused so much disruption across the Arctic.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive study of Arctic history, culture, and economies
Investigates the specific challenges faced by Arctic communities
Offers insights into how Arctic communities adapt to change
Taught by experts from two universities specializing in Arctic studies
Provides a multi-modal learning experience with videos, readings, and discussions
Suitable for both general audiences and those with an interest in Arctic studies
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Reviews summary
Arctic economy: a comprehensive introduction
According to learners, this course offers a fascinating and timely exploration of the Arctic's economic landscape, providing a solid and comprehensive introduction to its complexities. Many found the modules well-structured and appreciated the diverse perspectives offered by the collaboration between the University of Alberta and UiT The Arctic University of Norway. The focus on Indigenous communities and their challenges was particularly impactful. While students laud its strengths as a foundational course, some noted the pacing can be fast and it may lack sufficient depth for specialists seeking advanced knowledge, serving primarily as a high-level overview.
Ideal as a starting point, but not for specialists.
"It provides a solid introduction, but perhaps not enough for a specialist seeking advanced knowledge."
"It's a decent starting point, but don't expect to become an expert."
"Content is good for a general introduction, but it definitely leaves you wanting more. It feels like a high-level overview rather than a deep dive."
"I think it serves well as a foundational course, but for deeper academic pursuit, you'd need to seek additional resources."
"It's a great starting point, but I agree with others that for a deeper dive, it's not enough."
Engaging videos and knowledgeable instructors generally, with minor issues.
"The videos were engaging, and the readings provided excellent supplementary context."
"The material was clearly explained and the professors were knowledgeable."
"My only minor critique is that some of the video quality wasn't consistently high, but it didn't detract too much from the learning."
"I wish there were more interactive elements or opportunities for discussion beyond just reading."
Benefits from the collaboration of two universities.
"The collaboration between two universities really shone through, offering diverse perspectives."
"The perspectives from both Canadian and Norwegian universities made the content incredibly rich."
Highlights the crucial role of Indigenous communities.
"I especially appreciated the deep dive into how globalization impacts Indigenous communities and their unique challenges."
"Really opened my eyes to the complexities of the Arctic. The focus on indigenous communities and their struggles was incredibly impactful."
Provides a solid, broad understanding of Arctic economies.
"This course provided a truly fascinating and timely exploration of the Arctic's economic landscape. The modules were well-structured, building knowledge progressively."
"Excellent course! The content was relevant, well-presented, and surprisingly comprehensive for a 3-week format."
"Good course for an overview. I learned a lot about the different Arctic regions and their economic challenges."
"This course delivers on its promise of an introduction to the Arctic economy. The structure is logical, moving from geography to historical context to current challenges."
Some modules felt rushed, leading to a desire for more detail.
"The course has interesting subject matter, but I sometimes found the pacing a bit too fast, especially in Module 2. It felt like a lot of information was rushed through."
"The final module felt a bit too short for wrapping up such a complex topic."
"While the course was good, I felt some parts could have gone deeper into specific economic models or case studies."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Arctic Economy with these
activities:
Review Economic Geography
Show steps
Strengthen foundational understanding of economic geography to enhance comprehension of Arctic economies.
Show steps
-
Review principles of economic geography
-
Explore case studies related to Arctic economies
Review basic geographic principles
Show steps
Arctic studies rely on understanding basic geographic principles. Reviewing the fundamentals will prepare you for success in this course.
Browse courses on
Geography
Show steps
-
Revisit the concept of latitude and longitude
-
Review the different types of maps and their uses
-
Practice identifying different geographical features on a map
Review global economy news articles
Show steps
Get up to date on the current state of the global economy which will be essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing Arctic communities.
Browse courses on
Globalization
Show steps
-
Identify reputable sources for economic news
-
Read and summarize at least three articles on current global economic trends
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Review Globalization Concepts
Show steps
Reinforce prior knowledge of globalization and its impact on economies.
Browse courses on
Globalization
Show steps
-
Read introductory materials on globalization
-
Summarize key concepts in your own words
Join a study group to discuss and compare notes on course materials
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of key concepts and identify areas where you need further clarification by collaborating with peers.
Show steps
-
Find a study group or create one with classmates
-
Meet regularly to discuss course materials and quiz each other
Engage in Arctic Community Discussions
Show steps
Connect with others interested in Arctic issues and share perspectives.
Show steps
-
Join online forums or discussion groups dedicated to Arctic topics
-
Participate in discussions and share insights
-
Organize or attend local events related to Arctic research or policy
Practice applying economic concepts to Arctic case studies
Show steps
Develop and strengthen your understanding of how economic principles affect Arctic communities by completing exercises.
Browse courses on
Economic Development
Show steps
-
Select a case study and define the economic issue being examined
-
Apply the appropriate economic concepts to analyze the issue
-
Formulate recommendations for addressing the issue
Explore the Arctic through Literature
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of Arctic communities and their challenges through a literary lens.
View
Arctic Dreams
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read a selected Arctic-related book
-
Reflect on the portrayal of Arctic communities
-
Discuss key themes and ideas with peers
Compile Arctic-related Resources
Show steps
Gather and organize a collection of relevant resources for further exploration of Arctic topics.
Show steps
-
Search for and identify Arctic-related articles, videos, and websites
-
Categorize and organize the resources
-
Create a shared online platform for sharing the compilation
Create a presentation on the economic challenges facing a specific Arctic community
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the economic disparities affecting Arctic communities by focusing on a unique region and developing a multimedia presentation to share it.
Browse courses on
Economic Development
Show steps
-
Research different Arctic communities and select one to focus on
-
Identify the key economic challenges facing the community
-
Gather data and conduct analysis to support your findings
-
Develop a visually engaging presentation that clearly communicates your findings
Analyze Arctic Economic Data
Show steps
Develop analytical skills by working with real-world Arctic economic data.
Browse courses on
Economic Analysis
Show steps
-
Obtain Arctic economic data from credible sources
-
Use statistical tools to analyze trends and patterns
-
Interpret the results and draw meaningful conclusions
Review Economic Geography
Show steps
Strengthen foundational understanding of economic geography to enhance comprehension of Arctic economies.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review principles of economic geography
- Explore case studies related to Arctic economies
Review basic geographic principles
Show steps
Arctic studies rely on understanding basic geographic principles. Reviewing the fundamentals will prepare you for success in this course.
Browse courses on
Geography
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Revisit the concept of latitude and longitude
- Review the different types of maps and their uses
- Practice identifying different geographical features on a map
Review global economy news articles
Show steps
Get up to date on the current state of the global economy which will be essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing Arctic communities.
Browse courses on
Globalization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable sources for economic news
- Read and summarize at least three articles on current global economic trends
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Review Globalization Concepts
Show steps
Reinforce prior knowledge of globalization and its impact on economies.
Browse courses on
Globalization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read introductory materials on globalization
- Summarize key concepts in your own words
Join a study group to discuss and compare notes on course materials
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of key concepts and identify areas where you need further clarification by collaborating with peers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group or create one with classmates
- Meet regularly to discuss course materials and quiz each other
Engage in Arctic Community Discussions
Show steps
Connect with others interested in Arctic issues and share perspectives.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join online forums or discussion groups dedicated to Arctic topics
- Participate in discussions and share insights
- Organize or attend local events related to Arctic research or policy
Practice applying economic concepts to Arctic case studies
Show steps
Develop and strengthen your understanding of how economic principles affect Arctic communities by completing exercises.
Browse courses on
Economic Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a case study and define the economic issue being examined
- Apply the appropriate economic concepts to analyze the issue
- Formulate recommendations for addressing the issue
Explore the Arctic through Literature
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of Arctic communities and their challenges through a literary lens.
View
Arctic Dreams
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read a selected Arctic-related book
- Reflect on the portrayal of Arctic communities
- Discuss key themes and ideas with peers
Compile Arctic-related Resources
Show steps
Gather and organize a collection of relevant resources for further exploration of Arctic topics.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for and identify Arctic-related articles, videos, and websites
- Categorize and organize the resources
- Create a shared online platform for sharing the compilation
Create a presentation on the economic challenges facing a specific Arctic community
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the economic disparities affecting Arctic communities by focusing on a unique region and developing a multimedia presentation to share it.
Browse courses on
Economic Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different Arctic communities and select one to focus on
- Identify the key economic challenges facing the community
- Gather data and conduct analysis to support your findings
- Develop a visually engaging presentation that clearly communicates your findings
Analyze Arctic Economic Data
Show steps
Develop analytical skills by working with real-world Arctic economic data.
Browse courses on
Economic Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain Arctic economic data from credible sources
- Use statistical tools to analyze trends and patterns
- Interpret the results and draw meaningful conclusions
Career center
Learners who complete Arctic Economy will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study human cultures and societies. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and cultural challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help anthropologists develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
Economist
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the economic challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help economists develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists study the environment and its components, and work to protect the environment and human health. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help environmental scientists develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
Geographer
Geographer
Geographers study the Earth's surface and its features. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the geographical challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help geographers develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
Historian
Historian
Historians study the past and its impact on the present. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the historical challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help historians develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
International Relations Specialist
International Relations Specialist
International relations specialists study the relationships between countries. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the international relations challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help international relations specialists develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write and report on news stories. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help journalists develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the legal challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help lawyers develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
Political scientists study politics and government. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the political challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help political scientists develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analyst
Public policy analysts study and evaluate public policies. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the public policy challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help public policy analysts develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social workers help people in need. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the social challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help social workers develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociologists study society and social behavior. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the social challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help sociologists develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the educational challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help teachers develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
Urban planners plan and design cities and towns. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the planning challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help urban planners develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
Writer
Writer
Writers write books, articles, and other works of literature. This course would be a good fit for someone in this field, as it would provide them with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Arctic communities. The course would also help writers develop a better understanding of the history of globalization in the Arctic, which is important for understanding the current state of affairs in the region.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/vc5kp9/arctic
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Arctic Economy .
Treats Arctic history not as a peripheral subject, but as central to global history, and narrates events in a way that highlights the significance of the region.
Save
Provides a comprehensive history of the Arctic, from its geological formation to the present day. It valuable resource for understanding the historical context of the economic challenges facing Arctic communities.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the governance challenges facing the Arctic. It valuable resource for understanding the legal and political frameworks that govern Arctic development.
Provides a North American perspective on the Arctic, and discusses the challenges and opportunities that this region presents for the United States and Canada.
Provides a concise overview of the Arctic, and discusses the key challenges and opportunities facing this region.
Provides a concise overview of the Arctic, and discusses the key challenges and opportunities facing this region.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/vc5kp9/arctic
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Rating
4.6
Effort
5 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Alberta
Instructors
Rasmus Gjedssø Bertelsen
Brenda Parlee
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
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