FRI302 Nature philosophy and slow friluftsliv (Autumn 2025)
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Department of Teacher Education and Outdoor Studies
- Course Leader:
- Kristian Abelsen
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- ½ year
Table of contents
Introduction
The course will address people’s relationships with nature. It draws on historical and philosophical perspectives and discussions on friluftsliv, and the relationships between people, nature and society. The course presents ‘slow friluftsliv’ as a concept and pedagogical method inspired by nature philosophies. In the course’s sessions, students will explore sensations and first-hand experiences in nature, practice the didactics of slow friluftsliv, as well as consider the value of encountering nature, from both a personal, environmental and educational perspective.
Prerequisite
No subjets in the program
Admission to the course
Programstudents BA FRI and international exchange students. Individual course students upon application. The course will be conducted with a minimum of 10 students.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, students should be able to
- explore the philosophy of nature and different perspectives on human-nature relationship
- articulate how various perspectives on nature philosophy and relationships between humans, nature and society are expressed in discourses concerning friluftsliv
- utilize creative and aesthetic forms of expression in work with sensory experiences and slow friluftsliv
- apply slow friluftsliv as a concept and pedagogical method in a variety of contexts
- reflect on slow friluftsliv, human-nature-relationships and sustainability
Learning methods and activities
The course utilizes a range of pedagogical approaches, from teacher-led lessons to student-facilitated sessions involving planning, execution and assessment of their own and peer work. Key texts and first-hand experiences with nature and slow friluftsliv will be explored during lectures and further examined during group activity and seminars. The course incorporates several brief and longer excursions into the local surroundings, along with ‘seminars in the wild’, to experience and explore slow friluftsliv.
Work requirements
In order to take the exam, the following work requirements must be approved:
- Submission of drafts for their portfolios
- Participation in group sessions to evaluate assignments
- Actively and constructively participate in all classes and student-led sessions. If a student is at risk of not fulfilling these criteria, they will be notified in writing by the course organizer. If the student’s performance does not improve markedly, the course organizer, in consultation with the program director, may decide that the requirements needed to take the exam (or principal assessment) are not fulfilled.
Assessment/exam
- Portfolio comprising three different assignments and tasks. Passed / not passed.
- Attendance requirements: Students must attend and participate fully in at least 80 % of scheduled teaching and 100 % of the field trips. Passed / not passed.
Please note that assignments submitted in Canvas and WISEflow are checked for plagiarism.
Core literature
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem)
Oct. 15, 2026 3:15:08 AM