2020-2021 UArctic Courses

The following courses are offered in winter term (January-April 2021). As a member institution of University of the Arctic, UW students can enroll in UArctic courses at no cost. Each course is worth the equivalent of 3 UW credits. Credits will be recorded at the offering institution and transferred to on completion of the course. UArctic courses may be used as electives for the minor in Arctic studies. Courses are conducted in English. To register, fill out the attached form, sign, and submit to canada@uw.edu by November 30, 2020.

Registration form 


Winter Term 2021


CS 100: Introduction to the Circumpolar World B, hosted by University of Northern British Columbia: (3 cr.), study term: January 5 – April 12, 2021, day/time TBA

Introduction to the Circumpolar World introduces students to the landscape, peoples and issues of the circumpolar region. Beginning with an examination of the geography, biological and physical systems of the Subarctic and Arctic, it then turns to the Aboriginal and contemporary peoples of the region. The history of the Circumpolar World is treated in a broad fashion, to provide grounding in the events and developments that have created the region’s contemporary qualities. The second part of the course surveys some of the particular issues facing the region, including climate change, economic, political and social development. This course ultimately is intended to stimulate interest in the Circumpolar World.

CS 100: Introduction to the Circumpolar World, hosted by Yukon University: (3 cr.), study term: February 1 – April 25, 2021, course will be taught asynchronous

Introduction to the Circumpolar World introduces students to the landscape, peoples and issues of the circumpolar region. Beginning with an examination of the geography, biological and physical systems of the Subarctic and Arctic, it then turns to the Aboriginal and contemporary peoples of the region. The history of the Circumpolar World is treated in a broad fashion, to provide grounding in the events and developments that have created the region’s contemporary qualities. The second part of the course surveys some of the particular issues facing the region, including climate change, economic, political and social development. This course ultimately is intended to stimulate interest in the Circumpolar World.

CS 312: Land and Environment of the Circumpolar World ll, hosted by Trent University: (3 cr.), study term: January 6 – April 23, 2021, course will be taught asynchronous

Land and Environment of the Circumpolar World ll will provide students with a greater understanding of the complexity of important concepts and issues related to the land and environment of the North. The course deals with the impacts of natural and physical change on the peoples and conditions of the Circumpolar North. The course concentrates on three major fields for scientific study: (1) climate change, (2) natural resources, and (3) health and environment. Emphasis is given to the challenges of sustainability in the North, and to the need for long-term proper stewardship.

CS 322: Peoples and Cultures of the Circumpolar World ll, hosted by Trent University: (3 cr.), study term: January 5 – April 12, 2021, course will be taught asynchronous

Peoples and Cultures of the Circumpolar World ll covers the complex issues around the revival of northern cultures and languages will be introduced, and you will be prepared to think about how these issues apply in your home community. In this course, the complex issues around the revival of northern cultures and languages will be introduced, and you will be prepared to think about how these issues apply in your home community In this module, the complex issues around the revival of northern cultures and languages will be introduced, and you will be prepared to think about how these issues apply in your home community.

CS 332: Contemporary Issues of the Circumpolar World ll, hosted by Trent University: (3 cr.), study term: January 5 – April 12, 2021, course will be taught asynchronous

In Contemporary Issues of the Circumpolar World ll, students will deal with questions relating to governance and politics, social issues, education and knowledge systems, and global issues in the North. This course will provide students with an appreciation of the main challenges confronting the peoples and communities of the world’s northern regions. It will be beneficial to those students attempting to better understand the current questions facing the North as well as to those planning to pursue advanced studies about the region. In this module, the complex issues around the revival of northern cultures and languages will be introduced, and you will be prepared to think about how these issues apply in your home community.

HIST/NORT 4313: Issues in Northern Ontario History, hosted by Lakehead University: (3 cr.), study term: January 6 – April 23, 2021, Wednesdays 7:00-10:00 p.m. EST

A seminar on the history of Northern Ontario examining selected topics in the political, social, cultural, and economic transformation of the region, with particular attention to the experience of Indigenous Peoples and their historiographical treatment.

BIOL 469/669: Arctic Environmental Security, hosted by University of Alaska: (3 cr.), study term: January 11 – May 1, 2021, Mondays and Wednesdays 12:30-1:45 p.m. EST

This course offers an introduction to a broad array of biological, ecological, political, economic, social and military security issues that make the present day Arctic a focus of global interest. Students will acquire a thorough, cross-disciplinary understanding of key issues, challenges and developments in Arctic regional security and governance. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to draw on both historical knowledge, international relations theory and public international law to critically analyze and evaluate current events and future perspectives in the Arctic.