Type of course

The subject can be taken as a single subject.

This course is mandatory for students in the one-year program Arktisk friluftsliv and the bachelor program Arktisk friluftsliv og naturguiding. The course is also included in the elective package for students from other programs, and open for exchange students. If capacity, it will open also for other students.

Admission requirements

Course content

The course is taught in the first semester in the academic year. It is practically oriented, informed by theory. The course will provide the students with basic skills, knowledge and experiences in friluftsliv. The course includes field excursions of shorter and longer duration during autumn/ early winter, including overnight stays in tents. The excursions and activities take place in various natural environments such as mountains and plateaus, forests, lakes, and waterways. For all trips there are associated requirements.

The field trips require that students have a good physical capacity. That means students must be able to be active on excursions for multiple days and carry a personal backpack with sufficient equipment. Adequate early winter outdoor equipment is required, see equipment list. Previous experience from outdoor activities or sports is highly recommended. Experience from multiday hikes in the outdoors is an advantage. The students must be able to swim and should have basic first aid skills.

Objectives of the course

Knowledge

The student

• Can acquire the theoretical background for the practical skills needed to travel safely in various natural environments

• Has insight into sustainable travel in Arctic nature

• Demonstrate an insight regarding the traditional usage of nature based on the underlying cultural heritage in the North

• Understands the main concepts of Norwegian friluftsliv management

• Comprehends friluftsliv and outdoor life in international contexts

Skills

The student

• Can acquire the needed practical skills that enables the students to travel safely during different activities, independently and with a group

• Has ability to navigate in various terrain and under different weather conditions

• Has ability to demonstrate methods and routines for planning, performing, debriefing and risk assessment

• Can apply theoretical perspectives before, during and after field trips, including writing academic texts

• Can perform sustainable travel in nature in a natural and cultural context

General competence

The student can

• Reflect on personal skills and experiences and the connection between theory and practice in outdoor life

• Reflect on and apply collaborative skills and group dynamic processes to create good learning environments

• Display a deeper understanding of a sustainable outdoor life

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Information to incoming exchange students