NOR 423: Peoples and Cultures of the Arctic

3 credits

This course addresses a common misperception that the northernmost global pole is devoid of life by providing a contextual understanding and appreciation of the 4 million people and diverse cultures that exist and inhabit the Circumpolar World of the Arctic, and have for millennia. This course examines the history of indigenous cultures; the exploration of the region; and provides a method to analyze and understand the existing complex societies and economies of the Arctic region. This course will apply systematic research methods to explore national, regional, and local cultural contexts; and to understand the influence of research, business, and political structures on these communities. Governance and political structures including the influence of international organizations such as the Arctic Council will be examined and understood. Concepts such as cultural identity and self-determination of peoples and cultures in the Arctic and subArctic regions will be analyzed. 3 hours of lecture.

Prerequisite(s): None.
Co-requisite(s): None.