FRI312 Nature Philosophy and Slow Friluftsliv (Autumn 2026)
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Department of Teacher Education and Outdoor Studies
- Course Leader:
- Petter Erik Leirhaug
- 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, sustainable and educational perspective.
Prerequisite
No subjects in the program.
There are no prerequisites to starting the course. However, to complete the course, the students must be in normally good physical shape and be able to participate actively in the learning activities. We also refer to the program schedule.
Admission to the course
Programstudents BA FRI and international exhange students.Individual course students upon application. Individual course applicants must have completed 60 ECTS credits in outdoor studies to qualify for admission.
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 slow friluftsliv, sensory experiences and encounters with the more-than-human
- 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.
The course is taught in English. English and Norwegian can be used as language for the submissions.
Work requirements
To take the exam in the subject, the following work requirements must be approved
- Submission of drafts for their portfolios
- Participation in group sessions to evaluate assignments
- Attendance requirements: 80 % participation in all learning activities (excluding multi-day trips, and preparatory work that is necessary for participation).
- Active and constructive participation.
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, they may fail the trip element of the course to be considered to have completed the course.
Assessment/exam
- Portfolio comprising three different assignments and tasks. Passed / not passed.
- Attendance requirements: 100 % participation on multi-day trips, and preparations necessary for participation. Passed / not passed