Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student will have acquired knowledge of:

• The interdependency between man and nature.
• The role of outdoor life in Norwegian culture.
• The use of outdoor life as a pedagogic method.
• The cultural differences according to outdoor life between Norwegian and their home culture.

Skills

The student will be able to:

• Plan, carry out and evaluate trips and outdoor activities in different landcapes and surroundings.
• Be equipped for outdoor life activities in different landcapes and surroundings.
• Use outdoor life as a pedagogical method and a didactical tool in schools or with other target groups.

General competence

The student will be able to:

• Express personal development in outdoor life.
• Reflect on intercultural questions regarding outdoor life and nature in different cultures.

Course Description

The course emphasises the importance of a thorough knowledge of basic skills related to different types of camping and natural environments. Outdoor life as a phenomenon and its role in Norwegian culture will be analysed. International approaches to outdoor life will also be discussed.

The course covers the following topics:

Theoretical topics:

• The history of "outdoor life" in Norwegian primary schools, and the subject as it is described in the national curriculum, "Knowledge Promotion" ( Kunnskapsløftet KL-06).
• The Norwegian Outdoor Recreation Act ( Friluftsloven).
• The distinctive characteristics and values of traditional Norwegian outdoor life
• The development of "modern" outdoor life

Topics related to excursions:

• Tour-planning and follow-up
• Group processes
• Orienteering and choice of routes
• Shelter and camping
• Plant and animal life
• Clothing and equipment
• Safety- and consequence-analysis
• Outdoor experiences and respect for the environment

Assessment Methods

All the instruction on this course is obligatory. This includes preparation and follow up tasks related to the excursions and other teaching arrangements. The course is assessed with a letter grade and the assessment comprises the following elements:

• Tours and tour-reports.
• An individual assessment based on the student’s participation in the course. Factors such as skills, knowledge and effort will be taken into consideration.
• An individual coursework journal in which various topics are analysed and evaluated.

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