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Arctic Economy

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Rasmus Gjedssø Bertelsen and Brenda Parlee

4.6

Based on 83 ratings

, see reviews

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.

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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.

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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

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Strengthen foundational understanding of economic geography to enhance comprehension of Arctic economies.

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Review principles of economic geography
Explore case studies related to Arctic economies

Review basic geographic principles

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Arctic studies rely on understanding basic geographic principles. Reviewing the fundamentals will prepare you for success in this course.

Browse courses on Geography

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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

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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

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Reinforce prior knowledge of globalization and its impact on economies.

Browse courses on Globalization

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Read introductory materials on globalization
Summarize key concepts in your own words

Join a study group to discuss and compare notes on course materials

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Strengthen your understanding of key concepts and identify areas where you need further clarification by collaborating with peers.

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Find a study group or create one with classmates
Meet regularly to discuss course materials and quiz each other

Engage in Arctic Community Discussions

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Connect with others interested in Arctic issues and share perspectives.

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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

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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

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Gain a deeper understanding of Arctic communities and their challenges through a literary lens.

View Arctic Dreams on Amazon

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Read a selected Arctic-related book
Reflect on the portrayal of Arctic communities
Discuss key themes and ideas with peers

Compile Arctic-related Resources

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Gather and organize a collection of relevant resources for further exploration of Arctic topics.

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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

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Develop analytical skills by working with real-world Arctic economic data.

Browse courses on Economic Analysis

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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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

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 .

Give Me Winter, Give Me Dogs: Knud Rasmussen and...

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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.

Give Me Winter, Give Me Dogs: Knud Rasmussen and...

Cover image

Cover image

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.

Cover image

Cover image

International Governance

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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.

International Governance

International Governance

Cover image

Cover image

Governing Complexity in the Arctic Region

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Provides a North American perspective on the Arctic, and discusses the challenges and opportunities that this region presents for the United States and Canada.

Governing Complexity in the Arctic Region (New...

Governing Complexity in the Arctic Region (New...

Cover image

Cover image

The Shaping of Greenland’s Resource Spaces

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Provides a concise overview of the Arctic, and discusses the key challenges and opportunities facing this region.

The Shaping of Greenland’s Resource Spaces

The Shaping of Greenland’s Resource Spaces

Cover image

Cover image

The Arctic: A Very Short Introduction

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Provides a concise overview of the Arctic, and discusses the key challenges and opportunities facing this region.

The Arctic: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short...

The Arctic: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short...

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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 Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша

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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