Course Objectives

The course aims to develop an understanding of traditions shaping the Norwegian view on the individual and the environs and society; gain insight into the interaction between nature and culture in Telemark; gain knowledge of basic skills underpinning outdoor life.

Course Description

During the course the student will be presented with attitudes and understandings of nature in the period of pre-industrial nature management and also with traditional exploitation of nature, cultural traces and heritage. The history and development of free-activities in the natural environment, and the ways in which this influences Norwegian society will be discussed. Diversity, right of public access to open country including laws and bylaws and ‘no-trace hiking’ will be reviewed. Experiental learning is an integral part of this course. Compulsory field trips to different nature areas. Necessary additional equipment will be provided.

Learning Methods

2-3hrs/week, 16 weeks pr semester, fall semester

Lectures, group work, individual study, field studies. English is the course language.

Please note that there are extra fees connected to this course. We estimate about 1000 norwegian kroner to cover transportation.

Assessment Methods

Journal: Pass/fail. Graded take-home paper. Compulsory field trips.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean