EDS227 Traditional Ecological Knowledge

"Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Student driven learning for sustainable futures" is a student led course diving into the topic of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) around the world with an emphasis on the Norwegian context. Students will explore together 3 key questions: (1) What is TEK? Diving into the scientific debate and encountering examples from Norway and elsewhere. (2) How do we get to know about TEK? Focusing on methodologies, epistemologies and ethical considerations. (3) How can TEK be used to shape sustainable futures? Exploring the potential of TEK in policy, conservation, farming, and more.

As a truly student driven course, the learning activities, as well as assessment method, will partly be shaped together as the course unfolds. Learning activities are designed following the head-heart-hand model for transformational learning, including: Theoretical input - head (lectures, readings), reflection - heart (discussions, reflection circles) and practical experiences - hand (immersion in Nature, embodiment of TEK).

This course aims at enabling a creative learning process that asks for active participation from students to shape our own collaborative learning experience.

Knowledge:

The candidate

• understands the concept of Traditional Ecological Knowledge through academic theories and specific examples.
• is familiar with methodologies for researching Traditional Ecological Knowledge and their ethical implications.
• has knowledge of the relevance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge for achieving global sustainability in various disciplines (e.g. food security, genetic diversity, nature conservation).

Skills:

The candidate

• can reflect deeply on the concepts learned in class and during excursions to confront his/her own understanding of the world.
• can research Traditional Ecological Knowledge using methodologies discussed in class.

General competence:

The candidate

• can use newly acquired knowledge and reflections to work collaboratively with other students.
• can present an original and educational final project.