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.


Upon successful completion of The Circumpolar World, students will have:

  • Acquired a basic knowledge of the region’s geography, peoples, and their systems of knowledge;
  • Developed an introductory understanding of physical and biological features and processes in the North;
  • Acquired an understanding of the diversity of northern cultures, social structures and political systems;
  • Gained insight into the complexity and inter-relatedness of human activity and the northern environment;
  • Examined some of the critical issues facing the region such as sustainability, subsistence living, community wellbeing, and self-government; and
  • Learn about the mandate and programs of the University of the Arctic.

Related documents

Title Author Description
BCS100 Module 1 Karla Hardcastle Introduction to the Circumpolar North
BCS100 Module 2 Alec E. Aitken Northern Perceptions
BCS100 Module 3 Bruce Forbes, Steve Young, Alec Aiken Northern Environments
BCS100 Module 4 Tuula Tuisku, Kathleen Osgood Peoples and Cultures of the Circumpolar North
BCS100 Module 5 John Newark, Hayley Hesseln Contemporary Economic Activity
BCS100 Module 6 Gary N. Wilson Political Systems
BCS100 Module 7A Richard D. Boone Climate Change (Part 1)
BCS100 Module 7B Richard D. Boone Climate Change (Part 2)
BCS100 Module 8 Bjørn Sagdahl Stewardship of Resources & Sustainable Development
BCS100 Module 9 Gunhild Hoogensen, Kirsti Stuvøy Northern Governance
BCS100 Module 10 Lassi Heininen Geopolitics, Security and International Society
BCS 100 Reading List UArctic