An Introduction to the Circumpolar World

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, the course 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 particular issues facing the region, including climate change, economic, political and social development.