Arctic: Home for People and Animals (1cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

The course aims to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of human-animal relations in the Arctic.

After the completion of this course the student is able to
- describe the key characteristics of human approaches towards animals in the Lapland communities
- identify differences between domesticated and semi-domesticated animals in Finnish Lapland
- compare animal life in human proximity and the wilderness.

Execution methods

Lectures (6 h) are based on unique video material on animal behaviour and interactions. The presentation of the case studies will follow by the group discussion.

Accomplishment methods

Active participation in the lectures. A short essay on one of the case studies.

Content

Lectures focus on the case studies materials (video and photo records) from Finnish Lapland and allow getting different perspectives on animal behaviour in wildness, within their own herd/group, and with the other species or/and humans. The lecturer, a social anthropologist, who lives and works in a small remote village, has been active in the reindeer herding since 1997.

Case studies cover the following themes:
- Ecology of life, niche construction theory
- Animal learning processes, seasonal behaviour
- Predator-prey relationship
- Human-animal cooperation, empathy, slaughtering.

Materials

Vuojala-Magga, T. & Turunen. M. (2015). Sámi Reindeer Herders’ Perspective on Herbivory of Subarctic Mountain Birch Forests by Geometrid Moths and Reindeer: A Case Study from Northernmost Finland. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273767182_Smi_reindeer_herders_perspective_on_herbivory_of_subarctic_mountain_birch_forests_by_geometrid_moths_and_reindeer_a_case_study_from_northernmost_Finland.

Vuojala-Magga, T. (2010). Knowing, Training, Learning: The Importance of Reindeer Character and Temperament for Individuals and Communities of Humans and Animals. In F. Stammler & H. Takakura (Eds) Good to Eat, Good to Live with: Nomads and animals in Northern Eurasia and Africa. Sendai: North Asian Studies.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Fail: Performance is highly deficient or erroneous. The work may be based on serious misunderstandings.

Sufficient and satisfactory (1-2): Performance is lacking in scope, superficial, or corresponds poorly to the assignment. The author merely lists things out of context or addresses them one-sidedly. The work may contain errors or obscurities.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good and very good (3-4): Performance corresponds to the assignment, manifesting comprehension and a skill to analyse and justify. The author has addressed the issue comprehensively. The work may contain some deficiencies.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): Performance delineates an extensive whole and the author can apply knowledge in a multifaceted way or place it in various contexts. The work manifests independency and insight, and it is a flawless entity that involves justified thinking or critical contemplation. The work is well written and implemented.