Arctic Studies Program ASPB1104 Peoples, Culture and Identities of the Arctic

http://www.uarctic.org/members.aspx?m=790

Anna Stammler-Gossmann (September – October)

1. The concept of indigeneity: From definitions to norms and to identity (object of international law; between transnational and local; who is indigenous?)
2. North as space (geographical, economic, legal and mental space; homeland and frontier)
3. Human-nature relations and environmental changes (culture-nature relations: ‘Western import’ and sentient landscape; scientific vs. local knowledge, concept of ‘reindeer/good fishing luck’; autonomy of nature and climate change, concept of vulnerability in context, state adaptive strategies and local agency, risk taking behavior and no-risk thesis)
4. Anthropology of snow (social and economic significance of snow, Santa Claus tourism, ‘no snow’ emergencies, snow business)
5. Anthropology of seawater (changing Arctic Ocean, borders and lines, multiple meanings of seawater, ‘taking and giving properties’, fish and fisheries; burden or asset – ‘newcomers’ to the ocean [King Crab and farmed fish]; dynamic seascape and coastal communities)

Nuccio Mazzullo  (October)

1. Introduction to relevant anthropological approaches to issues of space, place and territoriality. Indigenous narratives of the land versus maps and borders to administrate the land.
2.  Place names on maps and issues of identity. Mapping as way of reclaiming land and emphasizing indigenous presence and its relation with it (Inuit and Sámi examples).
3. Resource conflicts and indigenous rights. Overview of some world wide example related to oil extraction, mining and forestry and then focus on the conflicts between Sámi reindeer herding and forestry in Upper Lapland
4. Issues of locality and globality particularly in relation to indigenous identity.  Cultural and social change while keeping up with traditions.
5. Tourism and cultural representations of otherness: issues of cultural and social authenticity.