Arctic Development

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/arctic-development

Introduction

### Course Review: Arctic Development on Coursera #### Course Overview Arctic Development is an engaging course offered on Coursera, developed through a collaboration between the University of Alberta and UiT The Arctic University of Norway. With the Arctic region undergoing rapid changes due to climate change and resource exploration, this course offers a timely and comprehensive examination of regional development strategies in a transforming Arctic landscape. Spanning four weeks, the course combines academic knowledge with practical insights, exploring the interplay of natural resources, community resilience, and sustainable development in Indigenous, Nordic, Russian, and North American Arctic regions. #### Course Structure and Syllabus ##### Module 1: Understanding the Arctic The course kicks off with an introductory module designed to set the stage for deeper learning. You'll familiarize yourself with the concept of "The Four Arctics" and dive into essential topics such as sustainability, geopolitics, and resource management. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the complex issues interwoven with Arctic development. The engaging presentations and accessible vocabulary help students grasp the broad themes of the course. ##### Module 2: Resource Management in the Arctic Module 2 shifts the focus to resource management, examining both renewable and non-renewable resources specific to the Arctic. It encourages critical thinking through case studies that highlight the "tragedy of the commons," forcing learners to contemplate real-world implications of resource exploitation and management. Additionally, the study of the Arctic Council provides learners with insights into international cooperation in managing these vital resources. ##### Module 3: Community Management in the Arctic Transitioning to the human aspect, Module 3 addresses community planning and development. This segment emphasizes the importance of community resilience amidst the challenges faced in the Arctic. By exploring various community strategies, learners will gain an understanding of how Arctic residents adapt to their environments and the importance of inclusive planning processes. ##### Module 4: Development in a Changing Arctic The final module integrates all previous knowledge, posing the critical question of what development entails in a changing Arctic. Here, the course examines the severe impacts of climate change and the structural adaptations communities are pursuing. It carefully evaluates existing strategies and policies aimed at fostering development while confronting environmental transformations. #### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Rich Content**: The course provides in-depth knowledge that balances theoretical and practical aspects of Arctic development. - **Expert Guidance**: Learners benefit from the expertise of instructors associated with two reputable institutions, whose insights draw from real-world contexts. - **Flexible Learning**: As an online course, it offers the flexibility for self-paced learning, accommodating different schedules and lifestyles. - **Inclusive Approach**: The focus on Indigenous and local community perspectives is refreshing and essential in discussing sustainable development. **Cons:** - **Time Commitment**: The 4-week structure may be challenging for those with limited time, requiring consistent commitment to keep pace. - **Niche Topic**: While relevant, the specific focus on the Arctic may not appeal to everyone, possibly limiting the audience. #### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend the Arctic Development course to anyone interested in environmental studies, community development, or sustainable practices in sensitive ecosystems. This course is ideal for students, professionals, and environmental advocates seeking to understand the complexities of Arctic dynamics. Whether you are looking to delve into new subjects, enhance your professional skills, or simply satisfy a curiosity about one of the planet's most unique regions, this course serves as a rich resource. The combination of academic rigor, practical case studies, and diverse perspectives makes it an invaluable learning experience. Enroll in Arctic Development on Coursera to embark on a journey into the heart of one of the world's most pressing developmental challenges!

Syllabus

Module 1: Understanding the Arctic

Welcome to the first step of your journey in Arctic: Development! In this short, introductory module we'll cover the basics of the Arctic, northern sustainability, geopolitics, resource management and development. To do this, we'll first see how the region is usually viewed through the particular lens of "The Four Arctics". At the end of this module, you'll have the context and vocabulary to tackle some of the issues in resource management, community management, and development, covered in the rest of the course. When it's time to venture north, click on the first video to get started!

Welcome back! Now that you have an understanding of the four Arctics and some of the basic concepts affecting development in these regions, it's time to deep-dive into resource management. In this module we'll first take stock of some of the renewable and non-renewable resources in the Arctic, and explore different resource management strategies employed in each of the four Arctics, encountering a number of "tragedy of the commons" case studies. Finally, you'll reflect upon the formation and function of the Arctic Council, and its role in resource management.

Now that we're aware of some of the resources in the Arctic and how they're managed, it's time to move on to the people that live there. In this module, we'll turn our attention to community planning and development efforts in an increasingly populated Arctic, and how communities in various Arctic regions form resilience to some of the unique problems faced in these regions.

If you're reading this, you've reached the very last module of the course- congratulations! Our previous three modules have given us the background needed to finally tackle the largest question posed in the course: what does development look like in a changing Arctic? In this module, we'll see how climate change is impacting the Arctic, and examine a number of structural and non-structural adaptations that different arctic communities are implementing. Finally, we will look at the strategies and policies directing and maintaining development across the four Arctics in the face of immense environmental change.