Coursera

Global Arctic (Coursera)

Offered by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne,

The GlobalArctic MOOC introduces you the dynamics between global changes and changes in the Arctic. This course aims to highlight the effects of climate change in the Polar region. In turn, it will underline the impacts of a warmer Arctic on the planet Earth. For human civilization, the Arctic stands both as a laboratory and a warning for human kind.

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Besides, this course gives course followers an understanding of the key challenges and pathways to sustainable development in the Arctic region.
This course is unique as it gathers several world’s experts for the first time to speak about the Arctic. Their respective inputs from different academic perspectives and disciplines offer a relevant and complete assessment of the Arctic region and its connection to the rest of the planet. At the end of the day, the course intends to offer in full scope the keys to understanding as the Arctic plays as a mirror of the human and geological dynamics.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Introduction to the MOOC
Earth system dynamics
This first week aims to overlook the different effects of the climate change in the Arctic. And vice-versa, we will introduce and evaluate the effects of a warmer Arctic on the rest of the planet. Besides, lectures will raise consequences on the biodiversity and negative outcomes with pollutants in the Arctic region.

WEEK 2
Arctic resources and the quest for them
In this second week, lecturers will expose various types of Arctic resources. Indeed, this week will highlight different resources exploited (fisheries, mining and so on) and the rush for new ones including tourism and O&G.

WEEK 3
The evolving image and significance of the Arctic from early colonization to the ultimate industrial frontier
This third week will tackle historical perception of the Arctic in the frame of the Anthropocene era. From early colonization under the Viking rule until the Chinese Polar Silk Road project, lectures will guide you through this evolving and transforming image and significance to the world.

WEEK 4
Actors and governance in the Arctic
Lectures in this fourth week will introduce the different stakeholders shaping the Arctic governance. Overall, lecturers will highlight the interdependency between the Arctic and the global governance and how it interact each other.

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