Gender, Society and the Arctic (5cr)

Objective

After completion of the course the student is able to:
- Describe the connections between questions of gender and society
- Recognize the significance that question of gender have for Arctic societies
- Critically reflect Arctic developments from feminist perspective

Content

The course offers knowledge on the ways in which questions of gender define societies and debates around their (unequal) structures. The course has a particular focus on questions of gender in the Arctic. Delving into contemporary developments in the Arctic, the course introduces feminist perspectives to understand Arctic societies and their transformation.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Fail
The course essay includes significant errors or misunderstandings.

1
The course essay corresponds weakly to the instructions given. It refers to the topics of the course, although briefly and in a detached manner. Essay may include misunderstandings or over simplifications of the topic of the course. The language and/or structure of the essay may be unclear.

2
The course essay refers to the topics of the course, although briefly and in a detached manner. Essay may include over simplifications of the topic of the course. The language and/or structure of the essay demonstrates basic knowledge of academic writing.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

3
The course essay is prepared according to the instructions. The essay demonstrates the ability of the student to understand and reflect course themes comprehensively, although some minor lacks may occur. The text and the structure of the essay follow the guidelines of academic writing.

4
The course essay is prepared according to the instructions. The essay demonstrates the ability of the student to understand and reflect course themes comprehensively. The language of the essay is fluent and its structure follows the conventions of academic writing.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

5
The course essay demonstrates that the student has understood the contents of the course comprehensively and is able to apply the knowledge acquired to wider contexts. The essay shows strong independent thinking and critical reflection. The essay is well written and demonstrates skills in academic writing.

Materials

Supplementary reading:

-Arctic Human Development Report. (2015) Regional Processes and Global Linkages. Copenhagen: Nordisk Ministerråd. ISBN: 978-92-893-3883-7 (PDF, open access)

-Green, Joyce (ed.) (2017/2007) Making Space for Indigenous Feminism. Fernwood Publishing. ISBN: 9781552668832

-Lindroth, Marjo, Sinevaara-Niskanen, Heidi & Tennberg, Monica (eds.). (2022) Critical Studies of the Arctic: Unravelling the North. London: Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN978-3-031-11120-4 (e-book)

Further information

It is recommended to take the Hilma-network course “Introduction to Gender Studies” prior to or simultaneously with this course.

Execution methods

The course includes lectures (10 h) and self-study (110 h) in a form of writing a final assignment (essay). Teaching profile: Face-to-face.

Accomplishment methods

Active participation to the lectures and successful completion of the final assignment.