Arctic Development

Welcome to Arctic: Development! In this third in a series of Arctic MOOCs, brought to you by a unique partnership between the University of Alberta and UiT The Arctic University of Norway, we will be exploring regional development in a changing arctic. In this 4-week course, you will investigate the role that natural resources play across the Indigenous, Nordic, Russian and North American Arctics, different strategies for resource management in different regions, and how these affect community planning and development efforts in an increasingly populated part of the world.We’ll also see how climate change is dramatically impacting the Arctic, and examine a number of adaptations that different arctic communities are implementing to combat rapid, climate-influenced change.

By the end of this course, you will have an idea of the opportunities presented to and difficulties faced by members of northern communities, and gain an understanding of just what regional development looks like in a changing Arctic.

• Gain an understanding of concepts in northern sustainability, geopolitics, resource management, planning and development.

• Learn about the resilience of northern communities, and strategies/initiatives to combat a rapidly changing Arctic.

• Gain an appreciation of regional planning in a changing Arctic

Syllabus

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Module 1: Understanding the Arctic
Welcome to the first step of your journey in Arctic: Development! In this short, introductory module we’ll cover the basics of the Arctic, northern sustainability, geopolitics, resource management and development. To do this, we’ll first see how the region is usually viewed through the particular lens of “The Four Arctics”. At the end of this module, you’ll have the context and vocabulary to tackle some of the issues in resource management, community management, and development, covered in the rest of the course. When it’s time to venture north, click on the first video to get started!
Week 2
Module 2: Resource Management in the Arctic
Welcome back! Now that you have an understanding of the four Arctics and some of the basic concepts affecting development in these regions, it’s time to deep-dive into resource management. In this module we’ll first take stock of some of the renewable and non-renewable resources in the Arctic, and explore different resource management strategies employed in each of the four Arctics, encountering a number of “tragedy of the commons” case studies. Finally, you’ll reflect upon the formation and function of the Arctic Council, and its role in resource management.
Week 3
Module 3: Community Management in the Arctic
Now that we’re aware of some of the resources in the Arctic and how they’re managed, it’s time to move on to the people that live there. In this module, we’ll turn our attention to community planning and development efforts in an increasingly populated Arctic, and how communities in various Arctic regions form resilience to some of the unique problems faced in these regions.
Week 4
Module 4: Development in a Changing Arctic
If you’re reading this, you’ve reached the very last module of the course- congratulations! Our previous three modules have given us the background needed to finally tackle the largest question posed in the course: what does development look like in a changing Arctic? In this module, we’ll see how climate change is impacting the Arctic, and examine a number of structural and non-structural adaptations that different arctic communities are implementing. Finally, we will look at the strategies and policies directing and maintaining development across the four Arctics in the face of immense environmental change.

FAQ

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.

The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Reviews

Very good introduction to the impact of climate change, development and future of the Arctic!

Very informative! I have lived in the Arctic for many years, and did not know most of these things.

Excellent, concise, and great foundational points to begin the journey of understanding Arctic Development! Thankyou!

Excellent content and the Instructors were well versed in the history and geography of the Arctic regions. A refreshing approach to an important region of the earths northern exposures.