Gender, Society and the Arctic (5cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

After completion of the course the student is able to:
- Describe the connections between questions of gender and society
- Critically reflect current national and/or international debates on the role of gender in society
- Recognize the significance that question of gender have for Arctic societies

Execution methods

The course includes lectures (10 h) and self-study in a form of writing a final assignment (essay).

Accomplishment methods

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

Content

The course offers knowledge on the ways in which questions of gender define
societies and contemporary debates around their (unequal) structures. In addition to providing an overview of the intertwined nature of gender and society, the course has a particular focus on questions of gender in Arctic societies.

Materials

Supplementary reading:

- Ahmed, Sara (2012) On Being Included. Racism and Diversity in Institutional Life.
- Kappler, Karolin Eva (2009) Living with Paradoxes. Victims of Sexual Violence in Germany and the Conduct of Everyday Life.
- Kuhar, Roman & David Paternotte eds. (2017) Anti-gender Campaigns in Europe: Mobilising against equality.
- Kuokkanen, Rauna (2019) Restructuring Relations. Indigenous Self-Determination, Governance, and Gender

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Grades 5-1/fail

Fail
The course essay includes significant errors or misunderstandings.

1-2
The course essay 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.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

3-4
The course essay is prepared according to the instructions. The essay demonstrates the ability of the student to understand and reflect course themes comprehensively, although some minor lacks may occur.

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.

Further information

”In spring 2023 the course Gender, Society and the Arctic will be organised in conjunction with an international lecture series “Alternative perspectives to Arctic research”. The lecture series is based on a new book titled “Critical Studies of the Arctic: Unravelling the North” (2022). The lectures will take place in Zoom. Detailed information and instructions concerning the lectures and course assignment will be provided to all those registered to the course. Welcome to join!”
Tuesday 17.1.2023, 2-3 pm (Finnish time, UTC+2)
• Introduction to the lecture series: Marjo Lindroth and Heidi Sinevaara-Niskanen, University of Lapland, Finland (15 minutes)
• Legal Anthropology: Reetta Toivanen, University of Helsinki

Wednesday 18.1.2023, 3-5 pm (Finnish time, UTC+2)
• Socio-Legal Studies: Marjo Lindroth, University of Lapland, Finland
• Neoliberal Governmentality: Gail Russel, University of Toronto, Canada

Wednesday 25.1.2023, 2-4 pm (Finnish time, UTC+2)
• Queer Studies: Leena-Maija Rossi, University of Lapland, Finland
• Aesthetics: Joonas Vola, University of Lapland, Finland

Tuesday 31.1.2023, 2-4 pm (Finnish time, UTC+2)
• Biopolitics: Julian Reid, University of Lapland, Finland
• Affects: Kirsten Thisted, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Wednesday 1.2.2023, 2-4 pm (Finnish time, UTC+2)
• Moral Economy: Frank Sejersen, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
• Intersectionality: Heidi Sinevaara-Niskanen, University of Lapland, Finland

Tuesday 7.2.2023, 2-4 pm (Finnish time, UTC+2)
• Narratives: Monica Tennberg, University of Lapland, Finland
• Critical Geopolitics: Liling Xu, University of London, UK