Arctic communities have diverse histories and roles in local, regional and global economies. However, the scope and scale of globalization has increased so quickly that vulnerable Arctic communities are facing new kinds of challenges to their survival. In this 3-week MOOC, a unique collaboration between the University of Alberta and UiT The Arctic University of Norway, you will investigate the challenges faced by Indigenous, North American, Russian and Nordic Arctic communities in a modern world. So join us as we venture above the 60th parallel North, and explore how these fascinating communities adjust to change while maintaining their ways of life, socio-economic histories, and cultural traditions.
![University of Alberta](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/http://coursera-university-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/e3/1a43c174de4cd1b136a54aa9c41a54/280759_Coursera_Profile_Image_360x360.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=28&h=28)
![](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera_assets.s3.amazonaws.com/images/1a4589dccee10648821b7ea23e5fca9a.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&q=80)
![University of Alberta](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/http://coursera-university-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/f6/4559ba784341fe8084f538436e3ee8/UA_Logo_Green_RGB-1-.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&h=45)
Arctic Economy
![Brenda Parlee](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera-instructor-photos.s3.amazonaws.com/2a/f4fabfd75f46d7ad832eb915c90cc1/BrendaPhoto.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=75&h=75&fit=crop)
![Rasmus Gjedssø Bertelsen](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera-instructor-photos.s3.amazonaws.com/07/7f0f503fc34f02a76af67d6c2a4bcf/Rasmus-Photo.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=75&h=75&fit=crop)
Instructors: Brenda Parlee
Sponsored by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
2,756 already enrolled
(80 reviews)
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Understand the economic past, present and future of the circumpolar arctic.
Recognize the opportunities and challenges of economic development in the arctic including local and global drivers.
Understand the social, cultural, and political context of local, national and circumpolar arctic economies.
Details to know
![](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera_assets.s3.amazonaws.com/images/31ebcba3851b87d1d8609abf15d0ff7e.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=24&h=24)
Add to your LinkedIn profile
5 assignments
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
![Placeholder](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera_assets.s3.amazonaws.com/images/74c8747e8210831049cf88dd4eefe26c.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&blur=200&px=8&max-w=320)
![Placeholder](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera_assets.s3.amazonaws.com/images/de1a6556fbe605411e8c1c2ca4ba45f1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&blur=200&px=8&max-w=259)
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
![Placeholder](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera_assets.s3.amazonaws.com/images/de1a6556fbe605411e8c1c2ca4ba45f1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&blur=200&px=8&max-w=333)
There are 4 modules in this course
Welcome to the first step of your journey into the Arctic! In this module, we will introduce you to a diverse array of Arctic communities across the circumpolar north. You'll gain a basic understanding of the geography, culture and history of the Indigenous, North American, Russian, and Nordic Arctic, along with a few concepts and theories along the way. This foundational module will help us understand the recent changes, specific to and shared by, each of these regions, which have caused so much disruption across the Arctic.
What's included
6 videos2 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
Welcome back! Now that you have a basic understanding of each region, in this module we will do a deep dive into the historical and contemporary economies of each of the 4 Arctics. Throughout the module, you'll encounter some key concepts that will help you understand how northern communities have been engaged in the global economy and what the future might hold. By the time you finish the final video of Module 2, you'll be more than halfway through this condensed course!
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
You've made it to the last full module of the course- congratulations! Here, we will focus on the rise of globalization and the sweeping changes it has brought to Arctic communities. We’ll also look at the problem of how to manage the tensions that arise between local and global communities. Finally, we will examine the different modes of Arctic governance and examine some of the strategies and tools northern communities are using to secure the sustainability of Arctic communities and ecosystems.
What's included
4 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
In this final, short summary module, we will end our thought experiment and examine some of the questions that it has left us with, looking to the uncertain future facing Arctic communities, economies and cultures. There is no single answer to solve every problem and challenge that we've encountered, but by taking this course, and informing yourself of these issues, you are already contributing to a better future for these areas of the world.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
Instructors
![Brenda Parlee](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera-instructor-photos.s3.amazonaws.com/2a/f4fabfd75f46d7ad832eb915c90cc1/BrendaPhoto.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=75&h=75&fit=crop)
Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career
![](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera_assets.s3.amazonaws.com/growth_testimonials/passionate_learner/Felipe_Moitta.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=64&h=64&fit=crop)
![](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera_assets.s3.amazonaws.com/growth_testimonials/passionate_learner/Jennifer_John.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=64&h=64&fit=crop)
![](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera_assets.s3.amazonaws.com/growth_testimonials/passionate_learner/Larry_Tao_Wang_1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=64&h=64&fit=crop)
![](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera_assets.s3.amazonaws.com/growth_testimonials/passionate_learner/Chaitanya_Anand.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=64&h=64&fit=crop)
Learner reviews
80 reviews
- 5 stars
71.60%
- 4 stars
19.75%
- 3 stars
7.40%
- 2 stars
1.23%
- 1 star
0%
Showing 3 of 80
Reviewed on Jun 19, 2023
Very informative course and thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you.
Reviewed on Feb 21, 2021
I gained new information and knowledge about all the Arctic regions. I realize this was just an introductory course and now will be interested to find out more and be more aware.
Reviewed on Sep 12, 2024
Only critical comment is that UofA really needs to fix all the spelling errors in the text, of which there are many, and not just in this course. Otherwise, pretty good intro course.
Recommended if you're interested in Social Sciences
University of Alberta
University of Alberta
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
University of Alberta
![Placeholder](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://coursera_assets.s3.amazonaws.com/images/7a1c0e2e779c1ff27cae62480adfe003.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&blur=200&px=8&max-w=120)
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy