Læringsutbytte

After completing the course, the students should have the following qualifications regarding knowledge, skills, and general competence:

• Students will be introduced to the challenges and potentials of using nature – the natural as well as the cultural landscape – as a platform for experiences in tourism.
• The course will also treat culture-historical perspectives on the natural and cultural landscape as representation in literature, arts and advertising.
• Basic knowledge in ecology and nature management skills are essential to offer eco-friendly and sustainable recreation activities.
• Students will acquire knowledge about the notions theories and different types of nature-based tourism (i.e. adventure tourism; extreme sports; wildlife tourism; green tourism; ecotourism; experience-based tourism, science tourism, etc.) and its impact on the environment.
• A part of the course will also consider quality aspects of the natural landscape and the tourism services related to it: from conservation to tourism certification.
• Imparting knowledge and nature-based tour guiding.
• The course will focus both on international and local aspects.

Innhold

Main topics:

• Nature resources, ecology, and landscape
• Cultural understandings of landscapes
• Guiding, public relations, and imparting knowledge
• Sustainable nature experiences and tourism
• Notions, types and theories of nature-based tourism
• Biodiversity and nature protection, management, and planning with focus on tourism
• Conflicts and politics
• Certification as a management tool in both, nature conservation and tourism
• Research paradigms

Arbeids- og læringsformer

The course will be based on lectures, excursions, discussions, group exercises, and contributions from local stakeholders.

The students may be charged for some expenses for transport and housing during excursions.

Vurderingsformer

Written 4-hour final exam, that counts for 100% of the final grade. In order to pass the course and to get a final grade the students have to attend the excursions.

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

Det tas forbehold om mindre justeringer i planen.