Outreach
A Multimethod and Interdisciplinary Approach to Educating Postsecondary Students on Arctic Challenges and Governance
By:
Brandon M. Boylan
Mary F. Ehrlander
Troy J. Bouffard,
Outlet:
Journal of Political Science Education Date:
01 Jul, 2019
Download
Brandon M. Boylan
Mary F. Ehrlander
Troy J. Bouffard,
Outlet:
Journal of Political Science Education Date:
01 Jul, 2019
Download
Challenges to the Arctic region abound and intersect. Warming, ice and permafrost
melting, and pollution jeopardize health and food security of Indigenous and other
Northern communities. Problems related to natural resource extraction and shipping
are developing. Because these issues cross sovereign boundaries, they must be addressed
multilaterally. The Arctic Council is the principal forum in which Arctic states and
Indigenous groups address shared concerns in the region. We co-administered a five-day
program on science and diplomacy in the Arctic at Dartmouth College in June 2017 to
educate postsecondary students on Arctic challenges and governance, foster skills
and confidence related to leadership and diplomacy, and inspire civic action in Arctic
and international affairs. The program consisted of lectures, discussions, a teamwork
and collaboration exercise, a negotiation workshop, and a Model Arctic Council (MAC)—a
simulation of delegates’ work in the Arctic Council. We found that students had strongly
positive perceptions of the curriculum and felt that they accrued Arctic-related awareness
and skills, while developing enthusiasm for engaging in civic affairs. Students attributed
the program’s value to the use of multiple pedagogies, especially simulation, an interdisciplinary
environment, and mentorship from and engagement with Arctic Council and other practitioners.