In this course several classic texts that have shaped tourism studies will be read and their context and influence on the field traced in the literature. All students read a certain body of literature but each student selects one body of work based on own research interests. Theoretical background, research paradigms, concepts and methods will be investigated. Further, the epistemology of tourism studies will be studied as it is manifested in current literature.

The aim of the course is to prepare students for participation in academic and professional discussions on tourism in contemporary times. Students must take an active part in building a scholarship in the course. The course is divided into several seminars and a final assignment. In each seminar, specific issues are discussed and analysed.

In this course several classic texts that have shaped tourism studies will be read.  Students read a certain body of literature and discuss their impact on the research tradition of their field of study. Theoretical background, research paradigms, concepts and methods will be investigated. Further, the epistemology of tourism studies will be studied as it is manifested in current literature.

The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to methodology, with a special focus on basic philosophical concepts. The first part of the course covers ontological issues and questions. The second part covers epistemological issues and questions. The course consists of a series of workshops in which each student's specific research project (for the MA thesis) is explored and monitored in terms of possible and relevant research methods that can be eleborated and applied.

The working languages in the course are Icelandic and English depending on participants background.

This course focuses on research designs and methods. Major steps of the research process from formulating a problem to disseminating results are discussed. The importance and methods of analyzing the current state of knowledge is introduced. How to analyze the structure of arguments, definitions of concepts, selecting research methods, relating to aspects of epistemology, research traditions and existing research in outdoor and tourism studies is introduced. During the course, the student should develop an understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in research and prepare for their own research project.

Innovation is increasingly defined as a driving force of business- and destination competitiveness within the fast developing tourism industry. This course, introduces the concept of competitiveness at a businesses, industry and country wide level. Important drivers of competence and competitiveness such as innovation and knowledge transfer are discussed. Tourism clusters, cluster initiatives and networks are introduced and their role in development of competitiveness and innovation is discussed.

Wildlife tourism managers are tasked with the demands of developing tourism management plans that meet the needs of the local community and tourists, while also minimizing negative impacts on wildlife. The course will discuss theories that underpin wildlife tourism management and will evaluate case studies of management actions globally. The focus of the course is on Arctic settings because of the specific needs of this particular area and the amplified effects of global climate change. We will specifically discuss three key element to wildlife management such as, tourism effects on wildlife ecology, local community involvement in management actions, and tourists themselves.  This is an interdisciplinary course which discusses both social and natural science methodologies.

The concept of sustainability has become important with regards to tourism development and policies. This course analyses the principles of sustainable tourism and outlines its development as a concept. We will discuss some specific understandings of sustainability issues such as resource, activity, and community-based traditions. The relationship between sustainable tourism and sustainable development will be critically examined. Case studies on responsible actions and practices in tourism will be discussed in the second half of the course. There is a total of six online seminars.

Equestrian tourism is a fast growing niche of recreational tourism. In this course theories and practices of the worldwide equestrian tourism industry is introduced. The horse industry, including equestrian tourism is addressed. The equestrian tourism industry is viewed from the perspective of business development, innovation and management but also as cultural tourism, agri-tourism, health tourism and eco/nature based tourism. Research on the demand and the supply side of the industry are viewed. Gender differences and ethical issues of using horses within the tourism industry are addressed. Future opportunities within the field of equestrian tourism are discussed. The Icelandic equestrian tourism industry is used as a case of development of equestrian tourism in a specific destination.

The thesis is submitted and defended in a public presentation where the student takes questions from the evaluation panel and the public. Instructional methods: Reading, writing, presenting

The thesis is submitted and defended in a public presentation where the student takes questions from the evaluation panel and the public. Instructional methods: Reading, writing, presenting

The thesis is submitted and defended in a public presentation where the student takes questions from the evaluation panel and the public. Instructional methods: Reading, writing, presenting.

In this course several classic texts that have shaped tourism studies will be read and their context and influence on the field traced in the literature. All students read a certain body of literature but each student selects one body of work based on own research interests. Theoretical background, research paradigms, concepts and methods will be investigated. Further, the epistemology of tourism studies will be studied as it is manifested in current literature.

The aim of the course is to prepare students for participation in academic and professional discussions on tourism in contemporary times. Students must take an active part in building a scholarship in the course. The course is divided into several seminars and a final assignment. In each seminar, specific issues are discussed and analysed.

In this course several classic texts that have shaped tourism studies will be read.  Students read a certain body of literature and discuss their impact on the research tradition of their field of study. Theoretical background, research paradigms, concepts and methods will be investigated. Further, the epistemology of tourism studies will be studied as it is manifested in current literature.

The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to methodology, with a special focus on basic philosophical concepts. The first part of the course covers ontological issues and questions. The second part covers epistemological issues and questions. The course consists of a series of workshops in which each student's specific research project (for the MA thesis) is explored and monitored in terms of possible and relevant research methods that can be eleborated and applied.

The working languages in the course are Icelandic and English depending on participants background.

This course focuses on research designs and methods. Major steps of the research process from formulating a problem to disseminating results are discussed. The importance and methods of analyzing the current state of knowledge is introduced. How to analyze the structure of arguments, definitions of concepts, selecting research methods, relating to aspects of epistemology, research traditions and existing research in outdoor and tourism studies is introduced. During the course, the student should develop an understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in research and prepare for their own research project.

Innovation is increasingly defined as a driving force of business- and destination competitiveness within the fast developing tourism industry. This course, introduces the concept of competitiveness at a businesses, industry and country wide level. Important drivers of competence and competitiveness such as innovation and knowledge transfer are discussed. Tourism clusters, cluster initiatives and networks are introduced and their role in development of competitiveness and innovation is discussed.

Wildlife tourism managers are tasked with the demands of developing tourism management plans that meet the needs of the local community and tourists, while also minimizing negative impacts on wildlife. The course will discuss theories that underpin wildlife tourism management and will evaluate case studies of management actions globally. The focus of the course is on Arctic settings because of the specific needs of this particular area and the amplified effects of global climate change. We will specifically discuss three key element to wildlife management such as, tourism effects on wildlife ecology, local community involvement in management actions, and tourists themselves.  This is an interdisciplinary course which discusses both social and natural science methodologies.

The concept of sustainability has become important with regards to tourism development and policies. This course analyses the principles of sustainable tourism and outlines its development as a concept. We will discuss some specific understandings of sustainability issues such as resource, activity, and community-based traditions. The relationship between sustainable tourism and sustainable development will be critically examined. Case studies on responsible actions and practices in tourism will be discussed in the second half of the course. There is a total of six online seminars.

Equestrian tourism is a fast growing niche of recreational tourism. In this course theories and practices of the worldwide equestrian tourism industry is introduced. The horse industry, including equestrian tourism is addressed. The equestrian tourism industry is viewed from the perspective of business development, innovation and management but also as cultural tourism, agri-tourism, health tourism and eco/nature based tourism. Research on the demand and the supply side of the industry are viewed. Gender differences and ethical issues of using horses within the tourism industry are addressed. Future opportunities within the field of equestrian tourism are discussed. The Icelandic equestrian tourism industry is used as a case of development of equestrian tourism in a specific destination.

The thesis is submitted and defended in a public presentation where the student takes questions from the evaluation panel and the public. Instructional methods: Reading, writing, presenting

The thesis is submitted and defended in a public presentation where the student takes questions from the evaluation panel and the public. Instructional methods: Reading, writing, presenting

The thesis is submitted and defended in a public presentation where the student takes questions from the evaluation panel and the public. Instructional methods: Reading, writing, presenting.