Course Syllabus

 

 

Course Description

This course will focus on public health and health care delivery in the Arctic. The main public health challenges and opportunities in the region will be addressed, by examining historical and current health and disease patterns and the organization of healthcare systems in the Arctic. Through the course the students will familiarize themselves with how to deliver health care in one of the coldest, most remote, and sparsely populated regions of the world. The class will focus primarily on Arctic Scandinavia, but may also include comparative insights from Greenland and the North American Arctic (Canada, Alaska). The course will take an interdisciplinary approach and draw concepts, theory and research from the fields of public health science and epidemiology.   

 

Expected learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course students will be able to explain and discuss the health transition that indigenous people in the Arctic have gone through, assess existing and future challenges in health and health care delivery in the Arctic, and discuss possible solutions.

 Specifically students will be able to

• Explain main demographic characteristics of the peoples of the Arctic.
• Explain the organization of major circumpolar health networks and organization of healthcare systems including disease surveillance, national registers, health promotion and disease prevention.
• Explain and discuss how determinants of health affect health and disease in the Arctic.
• Explain and discuss disease patterns in Arctic populations and their relative burden to public health
• Analyze and compare the different geographical Arctic regions: Greenland, Scandinavian Arctic and North American Arctic to assess differences and similarities in health and disease patterns, organization of health care systems, etc.

 

Workload

This is a very intensive course, and in just three weeks, you will receive three credits. In order to merit this you should expect a high workload. You should expect to use on average 2-3 hours preparing for each day of classes.

 

Faculty

Annette K. Michelsen Dornonville de la Cour Ph.D.; cand. soc. Head of Education, Peqqissaanermik Illiniarfik, Greenland 2025-present, External Lecturer, University of Copenhagen 2024; Associate Professor University of Southern Denmark 2011-2024; Ph.D-student University of Copenhagen 2006-2011; Associate Professor Den Sociale Højskole 2001-2006; With DIS since 2026.

 

Teaching methods

Different teaching formats may be used. The course will be a mix of lectures, interactive lectures, class discussions, group work, and student presentations. A part of the course will be based on debating issues, and students are expected to engage actively in oral presentations, discussions, group work and exercises.

 

Field studies

A number of field studies are being planned. Relevant institutions working with the Arctic region and Arctic health will be visited. Further information regarding actual visits will be provided as the dates approach. Please note that the field studies are part of the course and exam questions related to field studies are possible.

 

Evaluation and Grading

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class, all of the assigned work must be completed.

Please note that 'extra credit' or 'make-up work' is not possible in this course.

The factors influencing the final grade and the proportional importance of each factor is shown below:

 

Component	Weight
Attendance	7.5%
Class and study tour participation	12.5%
Study tour assignment	15%
Student presentations, The Arctic and its Peoples	15%
Lecture based multiple choice exam	20%
Group exam with presentation of project	30%
Total	100%

A word about grades: We realize that grades are important to you, but try not to let your anxiety about grades deter you from taking intellectual risks and learning just for the joy of learning. Also, we do not grade to punish or reward you just as our grade is not an indication of our evaluation of you as a person. We grade you to give you our honest assessment of your academic performance at this point in time.

Below you can read more about the individual parts

 

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled class sessions, field studies, and all five days of Study Tour  activities.

• Each absence from a class session or field study will automatically result in a deduction of 10 points from your attendance grade (out of 100 total points). 

• Each absence from an activity during the study tour will automatically result in a deduction of 10 points from your attendance grade (out of 100 total points). 
  • Missing multiple activities on the same day will result in multiple deductions (e.g., missing two activities in one day results in a total deduction of 20 points). Required activities may include academic, social, or cultural components of the program. 

• Exceptions to this point deduction policy can only be made if supported by approval from DIS Academic Support (i.e. for serious personal or family matters).

 

Class and Study Tour Participation

This is intended to be an interactive class. Primarily because it provides for a better learning experience, but also because it makes classes more fun. In order to participate, students are required to attend all classes, read and prepare before each class, and to participate actively in class.

Before the study tour you will be provided with information and links about the academic visits on the tour. During the tour it is important that all students participate and show interest and enthusiasm – whether it’s a course specific or a cultural visit. The more active participation from students, the better the learning experience for everyone.

Please notice: Arriving late to class or leaving early not only disturbs the instructors and your fellow students, but also affects your own standing in the class. Arriving late multiple times will affect your participation or attendance grade, and therefore your final grade as well.

 

Student presentations, The Arctic and its Peoples

Students will present on different Arctic regions and its Peoples. Further details will be given in class.

 

Study tour assignment

The assignment will include a) an introduction and questions for a specific visit and b) debrief and reflection on learning outcomes.

1. You will be divided into smaller groups, and each group will be assigned to prepare a short presentation for a specific visit. The presentation should include a short introduction to the institution and pose relevant questions.
2. As part of the study tour, each group will upload a discussion post to the Public Health in the Arctic course about the assigned visit. More information is given during study tour orientation.

 

 Group Project

The class will be divided into groups of 3 students. A set of papers/relevant reading on a number of selected key topics relevant to public health and research in the Arctic will be provided. Each group is required to read, discuss, and review one set of literature on a specific topic, present their findings, derive relevant key messages and one essential take home message. The topics and the literature will be handed out during the first week. A 4-person group will be required to do a 20-minute presentation, including no-more than 20 slides. All students within the group are required to present. Grades will be assigned individually.

 

Study tour to Arctic Scandinavia, Northern Norway

This program will include a study tour to Tromsø in Northern Norway. You will travel with your classmates and DIS faculty and staff. The study tour is an important part of the program, as we take the classroom on the road and see how theory presented in the classroom is translated to practice in the field. There will be academic visits to various relevant sites such as the university of Tromsø - UiT, the university hospital of Tromsø, UNN, the Ambulance Helicopter, you'll meet experts from the SAMINOR research project and the Tromsø head of TROMSØ8, Dr. Med, Ph.D. Elin Skog, and attend cultural visits - an organ concert in the Arctic Cathedral, The Arctic University Museum, hikes in the mountains and sightseeing outside of Tromsø. Attendance and active participation in all activities are required on the study tour.

Expectations for study tour

• Participate in all activities
• Engage in discussions, ask questions, and contribute to achieving the learning outcomes
• Respect the destination, the speakers, DIS staff, and your fellow classmates
• Represent yourself, your home university and DIS in a positive light

While on tour DIS will provide transportation to/from the destination(s), accommodation, approx. 2 meals per day and entrances, guides, and visits relevant to your area of study or the destination. You will receive a more detailed itinerary prior to departure.

Travel policies: You are required to travel with your group to the destination. If you wish to deviate from the group travel plans on the way back, you need approval from the program director and the study tours office.   

 

Policies

Attendance

You are expected to attend all DIS classes and activities when scheduled, and we will actively monitor attendance. Absences will jeopardize your grade and your standing at DIS. Excused absences include only serious illness and participation in religious holidays and only if clearly communicated in advance. 

If you miss multiple classes,  Academic Support, and Student Life will be notified and they will follow-up with you to make sure that all is well. 

Missing class: You must always notify your instructor about an absence a reasonable time in advance. Each failure to notify your faculty of an absence in advance will result in a deduction of 2 points off your final attendance grade.

 

Class room etiquette

A good learning environment requires that everyone is present, prepared, and participating. Out of respect for both faculty and fellow students we expect you to be on time and to participate in the full duration of the class.

Laptops and phones in class: You may use your laptop for note‐taking or fact‐checking. Usage of laptops or phones not related to the class is unacceptable, and will reduce your participation grade significantly.

 

Assignment submission

Assignments and tests are submitted via Canvas. Submissions exceeding the word limit will be penalized by a third of a grade per additional page or part thereof (A- becomes B+, B becomes B- etc.).

Late assignments will be accepted, but your grade will be reduced by 2 thirds of a grade for each day or part thereof that it is late (A- becomes B, B becomes C+ etc.).

 

Office Hours

The instructor has no set office hours, but you may contact them with any DIS questions or to schedule an appointment.

 

Readings

Primary textbook

Young, TK and Bjerregaard, P (eds.) (2008): Health Transitions in Arctic Populations. University of Toronto Press.

 

Important open access source

International Journal of Circumpolar Health. https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/zich20

 

Articles

Mandatory

Akande, V.O.; Fawehinmi, T.O.; Ruiter, R.A.C.; Kremers, S.P.J. Healthy Dietary Choices and Physical Activity Participation in the Canadian Arctic: Understanding Nunavut Inuit Perspectives on the Barriers and Enablers. Int. J. Environ. Res. And Public Health 2021, 18, 940. https:// doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18030940

Bathory, L. W. (2024) Reflections on Economy, Racism & Solidarity in Iqaluit. YELLOWHEAD BRIEF #149 | MARCH 19, 2024

Berner,J.; Solveig Jore, Khaled Abass & Arja Rautio (2024) One health in the Arctic – connections and actions, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 83:1, 2361544, DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2361544

Berntsen GKR, Dalbakk M, Hurley JS, Bergmo T, Solbakken B, Spansvoll L, Bellika JG, Skrøvseth SO, Brattland T, Rumpsfeld M. Person-centred, integrated and pro-active care for multi-morbid elderly with advanced care needs: a propensity score-matched controlled trial. BMC Health Serv Res. 2019 Oct 3;19(1):682. doi: 10.1186/s12913-019-4397-2. PMID: 31581947; PMCID: PMC6777026.

Bloch, A. P.; C. V. L. Larsen & Tenna Jensen (2026) Coping with suicidal crisis in Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland): inuit youth lived experiences of recovery and protective processes - a qualitative pilot study, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 85:1, 2689246, DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2026.2689246 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2026.2689246

Census Canada Census in Brief Housing conditions among First Nations people, Métis and Inuit in Canada from the 2021 Census

Collings, P. & Ready, E. (2025) “I’d say, ‘smoke a little weed, you’ll feel better:’” ethnographic observations of cannabis use in the Canadian Arctic. SSM - Mental Health 8 (2025) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmmh.2025.100536

Eliassen, B. E., Tonje Braaten, Marita Melhus1, Ketil Lenert Hansen and Ann Ragnhild Broderstad (2012) Acculturation and self-rated health among Arctic indigenous peoples: a population-based cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2012, 12:948 (12 p.)

Friborg, J. & Hassler, S. (2009) Cancer. In: Bjerregaard et al. (2009) Health Transitions in Arctic Populations. Chap. 17 p. 308-333

Hermansen (2020) PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS, AND MORTALITY IN ETHNIC GROUPS IN THE ARCTIC REGION OF NORWAY Results from two population-based studies: The Finnmark 3 study 1987-1988 and SAMINOR 1 2003-2004. Department of Community Medicine Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway

Hiltunen, P. (2003) Maternal postnatal depression: causes and consequences, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 62:3, 308-309, DOI: 10.3402/ ijch.v62i3.17567

Ingemann, C.; Nancy Mike, Ruth Montgomery-Andersen, Dina Berthelsen, Naja Riber Hougaard, Maliina Junge Jørgensen, Regine Dahl Thorleifsen Kajusen, Lisa Ivalu Lind, Kamilla Nørtoft, Aininaq Willesen & Ingelise Olesen (2026) Naapinneq:strengthening Inuit maternal and child health through gathering Inuit from Kalaallit Nunaat and Nunavut, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 85:1, 2634479, DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2026.2634479 https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2026.2634479

Hayoun, Y. & Israel Gannot (2025) Healthcare delivery in the arctic-telehealth prospects INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CIRCUMPOLAR HEALTH 2025, VOL. 84, 2438429 https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2024.2438429Links to an external site.  9 p.

Houd et al. (2022) Giving birth in rural Arctic Greenland results from an Eastern Greenlandic birth cohort. International Journal of Circumpolar Health 2022 Dec; 8 1 (1) : 2091214. doi: 10.1080/22423982.2022.2091214.

Jongen C, Langham E, Bainbridge R and McCalman J (2019) Instruments for Measuring the Resilience of Indigenous Adolescents: An Exploratory Review. Front. Public Health 7:194. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00194

Kandola, K. & Thomas, S. (2025) Northwest Territories illicit drug trade and toxic drug crisis response. Canadian Journal of Public Health (2025) 116:531–540 https://doi.org/10.17269/s41997-025-01051-3Links to an external site.   9 p.

MacDonald, J.P.; James D. Ford Ashlee Cunsolo Willox and Nancy A. Ross (2013) A review of protective factors and causal mechanisms that enhance the mental health of Indigenous Circumpolar youth Int J Circumpolar Health 2013, 72: 21775 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v72i0.21775Links to an external site.

Niclasen, B. & Gert Mulvad (2010) Health care and health care delivery in Greenland, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 69:5, 437-487, DOI: 10.3402/ ijch.v69i5.17691 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v69i5.17691Links to an external site.

PONGÉRARD, J. (2017) Nuna. Naming the Inuit land, imagining indigenous community JOURNAL OF NORTHERN STUDIES Vol. 11 • No. 1 • 2017, pp. 37–51. 15 p.

SLiCA. Arctic Living Conditions. Nordic Council, Norden

Sookraj et al. (2010) The Okanagan Urban Aboriginal Health Research Collective. Aboriginal organizational response to the need for culturally appropriate services in three small Canadian cities Journal of Social Work  Volume 12, Issue 2 2010

Spein et al. (2013) Self-rated health among Greenlandic Inuit and Norwegian Sami adolescents: associated risk and protective correlates Int J Circumpolar Health 2013, 72: 19793 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v72i0.19793Links to an external site.

Stenbaek, M. (1987) Forty Years of Cultural Change among the Inuit in Alaska, Canada and Greenland: Some Reflections. ARCTIC VOL. 40, NO. 4 (DECEMBER 1987) P. 300-309. 10 p.

Young, T.K.; Ann Ragnhild Broderstad, Yury A. Sumarokov & Peter Bjerregaard (2020) Disparities amidst plenty: a health portrait of Indigenous peoples in circumpolar regions, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 79:1, 1805254, DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2020.1805254 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2020.1805254Links to an external site.

Young et al. (2016) Cancer among circumpolar populations: an emerging public health concern, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 75:1, 29787, DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v75.29787

 

Supplementary readings and background

Balabanski et al. (2021) The Incidence of Stroke in Indigenous Populations of Countries with a Very High Human Development Index: A Systematic Review Protocol. Front. Neurol. 12:661570. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2021.661570

Bjerregaard & Jørgensen (2009) Diet, Nutrition and Physical Activity.  In: Bjerregaard et al. (2009) Health Transitions in Arctic Populations. Chap. 11. p. 192-204

Dudley et al. (2015) Review: Climate Change in the North American Arctic: A One Health Perspective. EcoHealth 12, 713–725, 2015 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-015-1036-1

Gibson et al. (2016) Levels and trends of contaminants in humans of the Arctic, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 75:1, 33804, DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v75.33804

Golden et al. (2024) International circumpolar surveillance: update on the interlaboratory quality control program for Streptococcus pneumoniae, 2009 to 2020. Microbiology Spectrum June 2024 Vol. 12, issue 6   

Hansen, Ketil Lenert; John Fluke; Dionne Gesink; Oddgeir Friborg; Tore Sørlie; Lisa Merkel‑Holguin; Monica Martinussen (2023) Study Protocol: The Arctic Childhood Study: a Study of Violence and Health in Indigenous Sámi and Non‑Sámi Children and Youth in Arctic Norway—a Mixed Methods Cohort Study Design. Int. Journal on Child Malt. (2023) 6:165–203 https://doi.org/10.1007/s42448-023-00165-w

Jenkins, A.J.; Theresa W. Gyorkos, Lawrence Joseph, Kate N. Culman, Brian J. Ward, Gary S. Pekeles & Elaine L. Mills (2004) Risk factors for hospitalization and infection in Canadian Inuit infants over the first year of life - a pilot study, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 63:1, 61-70, DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v63i1.17649

Jørgensen & Young (2009) Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes and Obesity. In: Bjerregaard et al. (2009) Health Transitions in Arctic Populations. Chap. 16, p. 291-307

Kiærbech,H.  (2023) How Religion and Spirituality Impact Mental Healthand Mental HelpSeeking Behavior in Arctic Norway: an Epidemiological Study Adopting the SAMINOR 2 Questionnaire Survey. A dissertation for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor UiT—The Arctic University of Norway Faculty of Health Sciences

Kiærbech, H. et al. (2023) The association of religious factors with mental health-service utilisation and satisfaction in a mixed Sámi and Norwegian adult population: Adopting the SAMINOR 2 Questionnaire Survey, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 82:1, 2223422, DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2023.2223422

Kuus, M. (2026) Arctic circles: Trans professional networking and international governance. Politics and Space 2026, Vol. 44(1) 176–191. DOI: 10.1177/23996544251360540

McDonald, J.T. & Trenholm, R. (2010) Cancer-related health behaviors and health services use among Inuit and other residents of Canada’s north. Social Science and Medicine Vol. 70, Issue 9,May 2010, pages 1369-1403

Mistry, Jacqueline M.  Bolette Søborg; Anders Koch; Mikael Andersson, Maria J. Miranda & Malene L. Børresen (2025) A comparative cohort study of epilepsy in children in Greenland and Denmark, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 84:1, 2593698, DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2025.2593698

Montgomery Andersen, R. (2013) Faces of Childbirth. The Culture of Birth and the Health of the Greenlandic Perinatal Family. Doctoral thesis at the Nordic School of Public Health NHV Gothenburg, Sweden 2013

Montgomery-Andersen, R. (2026) Othering and Belonging, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 85:1, 2650965, DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2026.2650965

Mortensgaard, L. A. (2017, Jul 25). Arctic Unknowns? The role of non-knowledge in the Kingdom of Denmark’s Arctic policy. Arctic Institute https://www.thearcticinstitute.org/arctic-unknowns-role-non-knowledge-denmark-arctic-policy/Links to an external site.

Mäkinen, T. & Mika Rytkönen (2009) Cold Exposure, Adaptation and Performance. In: Bjerregaard, P. & Young, K. (2009). Health Transitions in Arctic Populations. Chap.14. (20 p.)

Niclasen, B. & Gert Mulvad (2010) Health care and health care delivery in Greenland, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 69:5, 437-487, DOI: 10.3402/ ijch.v69i5.17691 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v69i5.17691

Kue Young, Ann Ragnhild Broderstad, Yury A. Sumarokov & Peter Bjerregaard (2020) Disparities amidst plenty: a health portrait of Indigenous peoples in circumpolar regions, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 79:1, 1805254, DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2020.1805254 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2020.1805254

Nelson et al. (2021) Cool, CALM, collected: the Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring program and network, Polar Geography, 44:3, 155-166, DOI: 10.1080/1088937X.2021.1988001

Odland, Ø., J. & Arbour, L. (2009) Maternal and Child Health. In: Bjerregaard et al. (eds) Health Transitions in Arctic Populations. Chap. 20. p. 379-404

Parkinson et al. (2014) Climate change and infectious diseases in the Arctic: establishment of a circumpolar working group, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 73:1, 25163, DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v73.25163

Pedersen, C. & Larsen, Viskum C. (2010) Hope and Resilience - Suicide Prevention in the Arctic: Conference Report. Statens Institut for Folkesundhed i Grønland, 2010. 70 p

Perkins et al. (2009) Epidemiological and follow-back study of suicides in Alaska, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 68:3, 212-223, DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v68i3.18334

Searles, E. (2008) Inuit Identity in the Canadian Arctic. Ethnology vol.47, no 7, Fall 2008, 239-255.

Spein et al. (2013) Self-rated health among Greenlandic Inuit and Norwegian Sami adolescents: associated risk and protective correlates Int J Circumpolar Health 2013, 72: 19793 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v72i0.19793

Spein, R. (2009) Smoking, Alcohol and Substance Abuse. In: Bjerregaard et al. (eds) Health Transitions in Arctic Populations. Chap. 12. p. 205-228

Stoor et al. (2025) “Mapping suicide prevention initiatives targeting Indigenous Sámi in Nordic countries”. BMC Public Health. 2021 Nov 7;21(1):2035. doi: 10.1186/s12889-021-12111-x.

Tatari et al. (2024) “We’re the very bottom, so it’s going to be hard for you to ‘catch any fish’ around here…” understanding vulnerable Greenlanders’ perspectives on cancer and barriers to screening in Denmark– A qualitative study.  International Journal for Equity in Health. (2024) 23:11

Wexler, L. & Brenda Goodwin (2006) Youth and adult community member beliefs about Inupiat youth suicide and its prevention., International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 65:5, 448-458, DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v65i5.18146 (Alaska)

Wilson (2024) Pitching the Tent: Understanding the Arctic Circle 2013–2023 Global Society Volume 39, 2025 - Issue 3Links to an external site.Pages 293-310

Young, T. Kue; Boris Revich & Leena Soininen (2015) Suicide in circumpolar regions: an introduction and overview, International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 74:1, 27349, DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v74.27349

Zwerling, A. et al. (2024) Opportunities for tuberculosis elimination in the Canadian Arctic: cost-effectiveness of community-wide screening in a remote Arctic community. The Lancet Regional Health - Americas 2024;40: 100916 https://doi.org/10. 1016/j.lana.2024. 100916