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Please Note: This Class Syllabus is an important step in updating the format of our distance courses. If for any reason the Class
Syllabus does not match the print Course Guide or online class information, the Class Syllabus shall be taken as correct.
CLASS SYLLABUS
COURSE TITLE:
Northern Environments
COURSE CODE:
GEOG 351.3
TERM:
Spring 2015
COURSE CREDITS:
3
DELIVERY:
Online
COURSE SECTION:
W03
START DATE:
May 6, 2015
END DATE:
June 19, 2015
Course Description
This course is a multidisciplinary study of the biophysical environments of the circumpolar North.
The topics examine the processes operating at the Earth's surface and within the atmosphere
and hydrosphere and their role in structuring northern ecosystems. Course content and
assignments/assessments/participatory requirements will permit students with background
preparation in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences to begin to assess the
impact of human activity on northern environments.
Prerequisite(s): 6 credit units in the natural sciences; or permission of the instructor.
Note: GEOG 120 or NRTH 101 recommended. These courses provide an introduction to the
topics presented in GEOG 351.
Class Objectives
By the end of this class, students should be able to:
1. Appraise the perspectives that traditional and scientific ways of knowledge acquisition
provide.
2. Outline the main aspects of the current circumpolar North climate and its influences.
3. Evaluate the poignant relationships among geological processes and features of
physiography in the circumpolar North.
4. Characterize the influence of ice on Northern landscapes.
5. Summarize fundamental ecological concepts and interconnections.
6. Integrate the variables that dominate terrestrial ecosystems.
7. Explain the complexity of aquatic ecology.
8. Relate the influences of human activity on climate conditions.
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Geography and Planning
GEOG 351.3 Northern Environments
Class Overview
Although the course material is divided into eight topic content modules (as shown below) you
will be only responsible for Module 2-4 and 6-8, inclusive, and the relevant Class Objectives.
Module 1 Environmental Knowledge: Development and Quality Assessment
Module 2 Northern Climates
Module 3 Geological Processes
Module 4 Northern Landscapes
Module 5 Ecological Principles
Module 6 Terrestrial Ecosystems
Module 7 Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems
Module 8 Climate Change
General Circulation Models (GCMs) predict that the Arctic will be most severely impacted by
ongoing environmental change. Welcome to the study of northern environments.
This course will provide some insight into processes affecting the Arctic Ocean, Northern
landscapes and the people, shared among eight Arctic countries. You will be introduced to
many of the region’s remarkable unique and diverse perspectives. You will be led from the
findings of one discipline to the findings of others. You will learn much about the region’s great
physical beauty, the resourcefulness of its peoples, and the challenges they face.
This course is designed to provide discovery and instill interest in the Arctic and the North in
general. The modules were developed by international experts in their respective fields to
provide students with a comprehensive look at issues in the North today. Additionally, the
course was designed to be inclusive of indigenous perspectives and seeks to provide a
balanced approach to the use of western scientific/traditional knowledge. Finally, an
international committee including academics, northern stakeholders and indigenous peoples, as
well as your current professors, have reviewed each module to ensure relevance and
timeliness.
GEOGRAPHY 351.3 focuses on the basic ecological principles and the conceptual foundation
of earth system science with a focus on the Circumpolar North. Learning materials compare the
western scientific systems of knowledge with traditional knowledge and examine variations in
climates, geology, biomes, and wildlife that define the North. A foundation used to examine
ecosystem health, how fossil fuels and other mineral resources are developed, and all key
elements to understanding the effects on societies.
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Geography and Planning
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GEOG 351.3 Northern Environments
Your Instructors
Contact Information
Co-Instructors:
Office:
Phone:
Email:
Rod Johnson, Bert Weichel
Kirk Hall 102
306.966.8845
Email tool in Blackboard (see tabs at left in the Course Menu)
©
Important Class Communication and Protocols
We will be making use of two of the communication tools provided within Blackboard:
Discussion forum(s) and Email. While Discussion postings are “public” (can be seen by all class
members), an email can be directed at one or more specified recipients.
Please be sure to adhere to the following protocol when communicating with your instructors:
•
Use email only for questions or information related to your own involvement in the class.
Questions, comments or messages related to the course material, such as module
content, assignments or participatory forums should be submitted as message postings
in the appropriate Discussions forum so that all students can benefit from the
information;
•
To initiate an email message, select All Instructor Users as the recipients. This is
essential to enable both instructors to remain current on all issues, and will also facilitate
shorter reply times. We endeavor to check for student emails at least once each
weekday and respond;
•
Include in the subject line of every email the class name and the basic nature of your
message or question. (For example, “Geog 351: Explanation for recent absence”.) Also
be sure to include your full name at the end of your email;
•
Practice proper email etiquette and write in a concise and grammatically correct manner.
Office Hours
No specific times are scheduled as “virtual office hours”. Appointment request for meetings (in
person or by phone) with an instructor should be submitted by email.
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Geography and Planning
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GEOG 351.3 Northern Environments
Instructors’ Profiles
Bert Weichel
Rod Johnson
Rod Johnson and Bert Weichel, co-instruct Geography 351.3 online. Both have completed
Masters Degrees in the field of biogeography from the University of Saskatchewan. They team
teach physical and human geography, introductory environmental studies, as well as field
methods courses and are keen promoters of “experiential learning”. In addition to their teaching
roles, Rod and Bert work extensively in the areas of ecological research and environmental
management and are active in the resource conservation movement.
Required Resources
Readings/Textbooks
There is no required textbook for this course. Instead, in addition to the online content provided in
the course modules and the specific reading references there, students will be directed towards a
variety of appropriate reading materials that can be accessed at sites such as the following
examples indicate:
ACIA (Arctic Climate Impact Assessment). 2004. http://www.acia.uaf.edu/pages/scientific.html
AMAP (Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme). http://www.amap.no
Arctic Portal: http://www.arcticportal.org
GRID-Arendal’s Polar Programme: http://www.grida.no/polar/
Canada’s Northern Strategy:
http://www.international.gc.ca/arctic-arctique/northern_strategy-strategie_nord.aspx?lang=eng
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Geography and Planning
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GEOG 351.3 Northern Environments
Class Schedule
Week
of:
Module
Required Readings *
Assignments
and
Discussions
May
3
Module
Two;
May 6
G. McBean, G. Alekseev, D. Chen, E. Førland, J. Fyfe, P.Y. One;
Groisman, R. King, H. Melling, R. Vose and P.H. Whitfield. Due: May 9,
2004. Arctic Climate: Past and Present. Chapter 2. In: ACIA 2015
Scientific Report, (22-34). Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge
University Press. [PDF in Blackboard]
G. Weller. 2000. The Weather and Climate of the Arctic.
Chapter 6. In: M. Nuttall and T.V. Callaghan (Eds.). The
Arctic: Environment, People, Policy. (pp.143-160). CRC
Press LLC. [PDF in Blackboard]
May
10
Module
Three
AMAP Assessment Report: Arctic Pollution Issues. 1998.
Chapter 2: Physical/Geographical Characteristics of the
Arctic. pp.13-16. [PDF in Blackboard]
Two;
Due: May 16,
2015
Lindström, M. 2000. Chapter 1. The Geological
Development of the Arctic. In: Nuttall, M. and T.V.
Callaghan, (Eds.). The Arctic: Environment, People, Policy.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Harwood Academic Publishers.
pp.3-26. [PDF in Blackboard]
A bedrock geology map of the region where you live for
Learning Activities 1 and 2.
May
17
Module
Four
AMAP Assessment Report: Arctic Pollution Issues. 1998.
Chapter 2: Physical/Geographical Characteristics of the
Arctic. pp.15-16. [PDF in Blackboard]
Three;
Due: May 23,
2015
Walsh, J.E. et al. 2005. Cryosphere and Hydrosphere. In
Arctic Climate Impact Assessment. Cambridge University
Press, pp. 201-208 (Glaciers and Ice Sheets) and pp. 209215 (Permafrost). [PDF in Blackboard]
Chapter 6 in Arctic Climate Impact Assessment Report.
2005. Available at
http://www.acia.uaf.edu/PDFs/ACIA_Science_Chapters_Fi
nal/ACIA_Ch06_Final.pdf [for Learning Activity 1]
Locate a map of the surficial geology of the region where
you are presently living. [for Learning Activity 2]
May
24
Module
Six
Callaghan, T.V. et. al. 2005. Chapter 7. Arctic Tundra and
Polar Desert Ecosystems. In: Arctic Climate Impact
Assessment. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,
U.K., pp. 243-249 and pp. 315-324. [PDF in Blackboard] University of Saskatchewan
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GEOG 351.3 Northern Environments
Jonasson, S., T.V. Callaghan, G.R. Shaver and L.A.
Nielsen. 2000. Arctic Terrestrial Ecosystems and
Ecosystem Function. In: M. Nuttall and T.V. Callaghan
(Eds.). The Arctic: Environment, People, Policy.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Harwood Academic Publishers,
pp. 275-313. [PDF in Blackboard] Locate a hydrological atlas for the region in which you live.
[for Learning Activity 1]
Locate a guide for local flora and fauna where you live. If
your place of residence lies outside the Subarctic or Arctic
regions, try to locate information on the natural history of
northern environments. [for Learning Acivity 2]
May 28 & 29 Midterm Break—No Evaluations Due
Midterm Exam—Saturday, May 30, 2015
May
31
Module
Six
cont’d
Four;
Due: June 06,
2015
June
7
Module
Seven
Five;
CAFF. 2001. Rivers, Lakes and Wetlands. In: Arctic Flora
and Fauna, Status and Conservation, Akuyeri, pp. 163-182. Due: June 13,
2015
[PDF in Blackboard]
CAFF. 2001. The Ocean and Seas. In: Arctic Flora and
Fauna, Status and Conservation, Akuyeri, pp. 183-210.
Available at [PDF in Blackboard]
June
14
Module
Eight
Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA). 2005. Impacts
of a Warming Climate: Synthesis Report. Cambridge
University Press, Cambridge, UK.
[PDF in Blackboard]
Six;
Due: June 20,
2015
Optional: A 140-page free download of the full report can
be accessed at www.acia.uaf.edu/pages/overview.html
NRTH 101: Introduction to the Circumpolar North, Module 7
Climate Change (Parts 1 and 2) [PDF in Blackboard]
Note: Read the module parts only, not the Required
Reading by Gregoire.
Strahler, Alan H. and O.W. Archibold. 2011. “Chapter 4 Air
Temperature.” In Physical Geography: Science and
Systems of the Human Environment, 5th Canadian Edition.
Mississauga, ON: John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd., pp. 6899. [PDF in Blackboard]
June 19—Last Day of Class
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Geography and Planning
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GEOG 351.3 Northern Environments
Note: If for any reason the Class Syllabus Reading List does not match the Module Reading
List, the Class Syllabus shall be taken as correct.
* Additional learning resources may be added to each module as sources become available or
are acquired. Any updates will only be made prior to the week a Module reading list is
scheduled, and the additions announced by both class-wide email and posted messages.
Grading Scheme
Assignments and Participation Discussions (6 @ 5% each)
30%
Midterm Examination
20%
Final Examination
50%
Total Evaluation
100%
Note: ALL coursework components must be completed, otherwise a final grade of 49 or less
and comment of Incomplete Fail will be submitted.
Information on literal descriptors for grading at the University of Saskatchewan can be found at:
http://students.usask.ca/current/academics/grades/grading-system.php
Please note: There are different literal descriptors for undergraduate and graduate students.
More information on University policy related to grading and examinations can be found at:
http://www.usask.ca/university_secretary/council/academiccourses.php
The University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter is intended to define aspirations about the
learning experience that the University aims to provide, and the roles to be played in realizing
these aspirations by students, instructors and the institution. A copy of the Learning Charter can
be found at: http://www.usask.ca/university_secretary/LearningCharter.pdf
Evaluation Components
Students in GEOG 351.3 are expected to take responsibility for their own education and be actively
engaged in all aspects of the learning environment provided through this course. There are six
assignments plus online participation discussions, a midterm exam and a final exam in this
course.
Required Assignments and Online Participation Discussions
Value:
30% of final grade (6 @ 5% each)
Due Date:
See Class Schedule
Purpose:
Assignments provide study focus on topic content. Readings, module text and
participation discussion among peers further support understanding, encourage
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GEOG 351.3 Northern Environments
improvements in writing skills and enhance communication capabilities in a
variety of modes.
Description: Both an assignment and a discussion topic will be provided with each of the
required modules. Submissions will vary in effort, but generally be one or two
pages in length. Participation is an integral part of this course. This is particularly
important for online students and is reflected in the requirement for this learning
activity as part of coursework completion. Participation is evaluated by the online
discussions of topics related to the module content and the assignments.
Midterm Examination
Value:
20% of final grade
Date:
See Class Schedule
Length:
Typically 60 minutes
Purpose:
The midterm examination will be online and cover all of the material presented to
the date of the exam. Students will have a fixed period in which to complete the
exam.
Description: The examination may consist of choice type questions, the interpretation of maps
and graphs, and short answer/ essay questions (~1 page in length). Specific details
will be provided by your instructors prior to the examination date.
Final Examination
Value:
50% of final grade
Date:
June 22, 2015 (2:00 p.m.)
Length:
3 hours; invigilated (the final exam will be written in a supervised environment; a
proctor will be present to oversee examination procedure).
Purpose:
Comprehensive examination on all of the materials presented in the course.
Description: Details will be provided by your instructors prior to examination time. No aids will
be permitted. No electronic devices are allowed.
The day and time of your final examination will be listed in your PAWS account.
The location listed in PAWS for your exam is the Saskatoon location. If you want to write your
final exam outside Saskatoon, you must complete an Application for Final Examination form,
available at: https://ccde.usask.ca/exam-info This will let us know where you would like to write
your exam.
Students writing in Saskatoon do not need to complete this form.
Additional Information
Missed Assignments and Examinations
The instructors are sensitive to situations beyond student’s control that affect their ability to
complete assigned work in a timely fashion. Circumstances arise that may require your absence
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GEOG 351.3 Northern Environments
or the late submission of assigned work. Please inform your instructors of planned absences
(e.g. participation in varsity sports; to attend an academic conference) in advance so that
alternate arrangements can be made to complete the assigned work. In the case of illness or
other personal situations, please inform the instructors within 72 hours of your circumstances.
All reasonable requests for extensions will be considered. Requests for extensions exceeding
one week beyond the assigned date for submission will require a written explanation; all other
requests will be dealt with informally. If you must submit material late because of illness or
emergency or for any other excused absence, please provide notification as promptly as
possible.
Students with Disabilities
If you have a diagnosed disability (learning, medical, physical, or mental health), you are strongly
encouraged to register with Disability Services for Students (DSS). In order to access DSS
programs and supports, you must follow DSS policy and procedures. If you suspect you may
have a disability, contact DSS for advice and referrals. For more information,
see http://www.students.usask.ca/disability/ or contact DSS at 306-966-7273 or dss@usask.ca.
Integrity Defined
“Integrity is expected of all students in their academic work – class participation, examinations,
assignments, research, practica – and in their non-academic interactions and activities as well.”
(Office of the University Secretary)
It is your responsibility to be familiar with the University of Saskatchewan Guidelines for
Academic Conduct. More information is available at
http://www.usask.ca/secretariat/student-conduct-appeals/IntegrityDefined.pdf
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Geography and Planning
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GEOG 351.3 Northern Environments
Acknowledgments
The University of Saskatchewan and the University of the Arctic Office of Undergraduate
Studies have taken a collaborative approach to the development of this course. The Academic
Lead edited the writing of module authors across the circumpolar North, and an international
Core Courses Revision Team of academics and indigenous people peer reviewed the
curriculum. In addition, academic reviewers from the University of Saskatchewan have reviewed
and updated the curriculum to ensure its relevance and applicability for University of
Saskatchewan students. Both institutions gratefully acknowledge the contributions of the
following in producing this course:
Academic Lead
Alec Aitken
Academic Reviewers
Bert Weichel
Rod Johnson
Module Authors
1
Henry P. Huntington
Department of Geography & Planning,
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Department of Geography & Planning,
University of Saskatchewan
Department of Geography & Planning,
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Huntington Consulting
Alaska, U.S.A.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
2
John Jacobs
Department of Geography,
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
3
Alec E. Aitken
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
4
Alec E. Aitken
5
Stig Skreslet
Adapted by Alec Aitken
6
7
Bill Heal
Adapted by Alec Aitken
Stig Skreslet
Department of Geography & Planning,
University of Saskatchewan
Department of Geography & Planning,
University of Saskatchewan
Professor Emeritus, Marine Ecology,
Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture,
University of Nordland – Helgeland
Visiting Professor, School of Biological
Sciences, University of Durham
Professor Emeritus, Marine Ecology,
Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture,
University of Nordland – Helgeland
8
Richard D. Boone
Department of Biology & Wildlife and
Institute of Arctic Biology, University of
Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska, U.S.A.
8
Uma S. Bhatt
Department of Atmospheric Sciences and
Geophysical Institute,
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska, U.S.A.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Mo i Rana, Norway
Durham, UK
Mo i Rana, Norway
Instructional Design and Course Development
Jeanette McKee, Instructional Designer, Centre for Continuing & Distance Education, University
of Saskatchewan
Course Funding
The course development was funded by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada; the Department
of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada; the former Technology Enhanced Learning Program (TEL) from
the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour, Province of Saskatchewan, Canada; and
the Centre for Continuing & Distance Education, University of Saskatchewan. The University of the Arctic
and the University of Saskatchewan gratefully acknowledge these contributions.
University of Saskatchewan
Geography and Planning
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