FRI210 Journey-based outdoor learning (10 ECTS) 

Course facts

Introduction

The course is an introduction to practices of Norwegian friluftsliv in various landscapes. Through single- and multi-day trips, students will experience aspects of traditional and contemporary friluftsliv. The learning is organized around journeying thoughtfully through a variety of landscapes, while developing the skills such as navigation, emergency procedures, leadership, and expedition planning. Students will write individual journals that critically reflect on their learning.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students shall:

• be able to discuss their explorations and experiences of different traditions of friluftsliv, as well as meanings they associate with friluftsliv as cultural phenomenon and practice
• be able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of nature as a resource (e.g. mushrooms, berries, fish, lumber, etc.) to fulfill human needs and as bearers of symbolic meanings and environmental significance
• be able to use basic skills related to navigating and journeying through, living within and exploring different 'natural' landscapes
• be able to demonstrate understanding of group management, leadership and guidance, and emergency procedures
• be able to demonstrate an enhanced self-awareness and enhanced ability to reflect on their own skills and personal attributes related to the demands required by group dynamics, natural landscapes and friluftsliv practice 

Learning styles and activities

The course is organized around three or four multi-day journeys in different landscapes, such as hiking in the woods and alpine mountains. The preparation, planning, participation and reflection work are equally important aspects of study.  Part of the preparation might involve (individual) training in basic technical skills, such as navigation or paddling.

Groups of students will be responsible for planning and preparing food, equipment, travel logistics, navigation; cleaning and maintenance of the gear; and self-evaluation.

All scheduled outdoor activities are mandatory. Each student is responsible for ensuring they have the personal equipment needed, which includes (but is not limited to) high quality rain/wind proof jacket and overtrousers, insulated clothing (e.g. down jacket), long johns and wool shirts, backpack, and suitable boots. Only group equipment (i.e. tents) and technical equipment is provided by NIH.  A detailed list will be made available when you are accepted to the course. 

Mandatory assignment

Full participation in scheduled outdoor activities is mandatory. To be considered to have completed the course, students must also attend and participate fully in at least 80% of lectures and other class sessions. Pass / fail.

In special cases, where absence is due to extenuating circumstances, the course coordinator, in discussion with the student, will seek alternative ways of recapturing lost teaching/learning.

Assessment

Portfolio assignment. Graded as pass/fail.

• Each student must submit a three-part journal of self-reflection on their experiences of learning during the exchange programme; skill development theory; and relevant outdoor learning literature. Each part will be graded as pass/fail. 

Journal submissions should not exceed a maximum of 4500 words (3x1500), exclusive table of contents, reference list and attachments. All sources must be accurately cited and referenced using APA 7th style. The dates for submitting each part of the journal will be provided at the beginning of the course.

All journals must be submitted through Canvas and will be run through Urkund text-matching software.

Core material

CORE LITERATURE: 

PARTS OF 1 BOOK:
Hofmann, A. R., Rolland, C. G., Rafoss, K. & Zoglowek, H. (2018).  Norwegian friluftsliv: A way of living and learning in nature. Waxmann Verlag.
Please read pages 13-45 and 162-188:
* You may borrow the book from the Library: ORIA
** This book is also available online: Click here to download. NB: 1 user at the time.
*** NB! To open this electronic book off campus, you must use the following VPN connection: Click here to download.

3 ARTICLES FROM ELECTRONIC JOURNALS:

* NB! To open electronic articles off campus, you must use the following VPN connection: Click here to download.

Asfeldt, M. & Beames, S. (2016). Trusting the journey: Embracing the unpredictable and difficult to measure nature of wilderness educational expeditions. Journal of Experiential Education, 40(1), 72-86. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053825916676101
* This article is available online: Click here to download.

Baker, M. (2005). Landfullness in adventure-based programming: Promoting reconnection to the land. Journal of Experiential Education, 27(3), 267-276. https://doi.org/10.1177/105382590502700306
* This article is available online: Click here to download.

Varley, P. & Semple, T. (2015). Nordic slow adventure: Explorations in time and nature. Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 15(1-2), 73-90. https://doi.org/10.1080/15022250.2015.1028142
* This article is available online: Click here to download.

DIGITAL COMPENDIUM - available as a PDF through Canvas:
Eriksen, J. W. (Ed.). (2021). FRI210: Journey-based outdoor learning: Spring 2022 (Digital compendium). Norges idrettshøgskole.

Table of contents, alphabetical in APA 7th ed.:
Carpenter, C. & Harper, N. (2016). Health and wellbeing benefits of activities in the outdoors. In B. Humberstone, H. Prince & K. Henderson (Eds.), Routledge international handbook of outdoor studies (pp. 59-68). Routledge. 

Gurholt, K. P. & Haukeland, P. I. (2020). Scandinavian friluftsliv (outdoor life) and the Nordic model: Passions and paradoxes. In Tin, M. B., Telseth, F., Tangen, J. O. & Giulianotti, R. (Eds.), The Nordic model and physical culture (pp. 165–181). Routledge. 

Lund, O. (2007). The "Oslomarka" greenbelt: Protection and use in friluftsliv. In B. Henderson & N. Vikander (Eds.), Nature first: Outdoor life the friluftsliv way (pp. 130-137). Natural Heritage Books.

Stonehouse, P. (2010). Virtue ethics and expeditions. In S. Beames (Ed.), Understanding educational expeditions (pp. 17–23). Sense. 

Wattchow, B. & Brown, M. (2011). A pedagogy of place: Outdoor education for a changing world. Monash University. 
* Pages 77-105,

1 WHITE PAPER:
Meld. St. 20 (2015–2016). Friluftsliv: Natur som kjelde til helse og livskvalitet. Klima- og Miljødepartementet. https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/meld.-st.-18-20152016/id2479100/
Please read pages 10-12, 19-26 and 114-118: 
* This is available online: Click here to download.