Course Description

Part 1:

• Outdoor life activities on ice
• Outdoor-life activities in the local community
• Outdoor pedagogy

Part 2:

• Outdoor activities in the forest

Long-distance skating represents a Mid-Swedish tradition, with roots stretching far back in time, but it has also become a modern trend. The activity has spread to many parts of the country, and many young people have taken it up. Skate-sailing, ice hunting and ice fishing are also popular. Outdoor activities in the forests may also be considered a genuine Swedish tradition. Such activities may include both adventures and multi-sport activities. The practical aspects of the course will throw light on both the traditions and modern trends in Swedish outdoor life. Another aim of the course is to integrate other perspectives such as environment, physiology with nutritional-theory, leadership and group processes etc.

The theory seminar focuses on the historical, political, administrative and pedagogical aspects of Swedish outdoor life. Further, there is a focus on the local community and outdoor pedagogy as well as theoretical aspects, such as the cultural-sociological and practical pedagogical.

Assessment Methods

Students will write a term paper on the basis of the joint-seminar and the practical part of the course ‘outdoor activities on ice’ (10 ECTS). They will work in groups of 3-4, preferably with only one student from any particular country in each group. The term paper will be examined and given a grade by an external examiner in Sweden. To have the ‘outdoor activities in the forest’ (3 ECTS) part of the course approved, students must be actively present: pass/fail.

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