Living off the Land (SKS101G)

In the course students get the opportunity to work with natural resources and raw materials from Icelandic nature, focusing on sustainability and the ethics of natural resource utilization. Students learn about the traditions and methods of foraging, as well as the process from sourcing raw materials to recycling or disposal. The course teaches recognized techniques for handling raw materials, with a focus on innovation and creative thinking.

Students gain insight into the utilization of local materials and material knowledge, fostering a deeper ecological awareness. They also explore local ecosystems and biodiversity. Students collect raw materials from nature and process them further. The course emphasizes responsible resource use and practical skills that promote sustainability and community resilience, focused on the society and ecosystems.

The course is taught in person at Hallormsstaður in East-Iceland.

The teaching is conducted through lectures, field trips, practical work, and discussions. Students will have the opportunity to participate in the gathering and preservation of raw materials from nature.

Creative Sustainability (SKS102G)

The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the concepts of sustainability and creativity, both in theoretical and practical contexts. It addresses environmental and societal issues as well as the Earth's ecosystems. The course is based on the philosophy of sustainable utilization of natural resources and raw materials, emphasizing creative disciplines and innovation as essential components of sustainable development.

A multidisciplinary approach is emphasized, integrating perspectives and methods from various fields. Students develop skills in creative problem-solving to address global and local challenges through independent and investigative work. They work on sustainable solutions using local raw materials in real-world settings. Work on assignments and creative problem-solving are key elements of the course.

The course is taught in person at Hallormsstaður in East-Iceland.

The teaching is conducted through lectures, field trips, practical work, and discussions.

Sustainable Society (SKS103G)

The course focuses on the development of sustainable communities with an emphasis on social heritage, cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and social innovation. Students gain insight into how sustainability relates to regional development, settlement, and the future vision of communities, as well as exploring how the past and cultural heritage shape contemporary paths to sustainability.

Students learn to approach cultural heritage with creative and critical thinking and to embrace innovation informed by the knowledge of previous generations. They are introduced to key methods and techniques in various crafts, with a strong emphasis on nurturing intangible cultural heritage and promoting the transfer of knowledge between generations.

The course also introduces traditional methods of past generations, including the handling and processing of raw materials, different preservation and storage techniques, and exploring the potential uses of underutilized resources. Students learn about the creative inventions of ordinary people from earlier times who had to make do with what was at hand. The course emphasizes methods that can contribute to thriving and sustainable communities in harmony with nature and infrastructure.

The course is taught in person at Hallormsstaður in East-Iceland.

The teaching is conducted through lectures, field trips, practical work, and discussions, and students are given the opportunity to learn practical craftsmanship techniques.

Sustainable Solutions (SKS201G)

This course explores the development of societies and economies toward sustainability through solution-oriented approaches to contemporary challenges. Students gain an understanding of economic, social, and environmental concepts of sustainability and how international agreements, laws, and regulations influence these fields. Solution-focused sustainability involves both analyzing problems and developing practical solutions.

Students will learn to apply creative and critical thinking through independent project work. The course aims to empower students to actively engage in sustainable development using solution-oriented methods. Emphasis is placed on inclusion, equality, and justice, as students work on developing practical projects and solutions that contribute to a sustainable future. Students will have the opportunity to shape their own vision for the future and develop skills to communicate solutions in diverse contexts.

The course is taught in person at Hallormsstaður in East-Iceland.

The teaching is conducted through lectures, field trips, practical work, and discussions. Students will have the opportunity to learn practical methods for developing sustainable solutions.

Creative Approaches and Resource Utilization (SKS202G)

Through established processing methods and theoretical discussion, students will learn techniques for handling and utilizing diverse resources and raw materials in a sustainable and innovative way. Emphasis is placed on creative industries and innovation, where students connect their knowledge to their immediate environment and global challenges.

Experts from various fields support the course's theoretical foundation and provide professional insights. Under expert guidance, students develop their own practical solutions and deepen their understanding of creative processes. The course emphasizes diverse methods and the communication of results to ensure continued knowledge sharing and innovation.

The course is taught in person at Hallormsstaður in East-Iceland.

Teaching methods include lectures, field trips, hands-on work, and discussions. Students will have the opportunity to learn recognized processing methods for working with raw materials.

Future Successors (SKS203G)

The aim of this course is to empower students to become active participants in shaping a sustainable future. Students will develop skills to create solutions for societal, environmental, and economic challenges, becoming heirs to the future. They will learn to integrate creative sustainability, social responsibility, and communication.

Students will work on practical solutions that demand innovation and creative thinking. The course emphasizes creative problem-solving, independent work, leadership development, and the creation of a personal vision for the future, utilizing approaches such as systemic futures studies and scenario planning.

The course is taught in person at Hallormsstaður in East-Iceland.

Through an empowering approach, students will gain the ability to communicate their knowledge and take leadership roles in building a sustainable future. Teaching methods include lectures, field trips, hands-on work, and discussions.