About the Program:
The Circumpolar Studies program is an exciting way for students attending UArctic member institutions to learn about the North, with courses held in the classroom, online, in the field, and around the world.
It gives students the opportunity to learn about the lands, peoples, and issues of the Circumpolar North and prepares them for advanced study or professional employment in fields as diverse as sustainable resource management, self-government, Arctic engineering, and northern tourism. Special emphasis is given to matters concerning Indigenous Peoples of the Circumpolar North.
Summer Term Course Offerings
GEOG 1045H: Introduction to the Circumpolar World
Introduction to the Circumpolar World introduces students to the landscape, peoples and issues of the circumpolar region. Beginning with an examination of the geography, biological and physical systems of the Subarctic and Arctic, it then turns to the Aboriginal and contemporary peoples of the region. The history of the Circumpolar World is treated in a broad fashion, to provide grounding in the events and developments that have created the region’s contemporary qualities. The second part of the course surveys some of the particular issues facing the region, including climate change, economic, political and social development. This course ultimately is intended to stimulate interest in the Circumpolar World.
GEOG-CAST 2811H: The International Arctic: Environment, Diplomacy, and Geopolitics
Introduces students to the international politics of the circumpolar region and concludes with a unique simulation of the Arctic Council at which students are challenged to develop real-life scenarios and to play the role of diplomatic and reach consensus on difficult areas of Arctic public policy. Prerequisite: GEOG 1045H or permission of the instructor
