Kalaallit Nunaat: Greenland’s History, Culture, and People

About this course

Greenland is the world’s largest island that is not a continent, spanning three times the size of Texas and with a population of only 57.000 people, most of whom are inuit. 

This course is an immersive and experiential exploration of Greenland’s cultural heritage, history, art, and narratives. By blending traditional academic analysis with firsthand engagement in Greenland, the course delves into the deep-rooted histories of Greenland’s indigenous communities, examining the impact of Greenland’s at times contentious relation with Denmark and its ongoing efforts to define itself as an independent nation with a large diaspora in Denmark.  

You will engage with local perspectives through direct interactions with Greenlandic hunters, artists, scholars, politicians and community leaders, gaining invaluable insights into the traditions and cultural expressions that shape the diversity of Greenlandic identities. You will gain a nuanced understanding of Greenland’s past while also learning how the local population continues to navigate the complexities of globalization, cultural praxes, and environmental changes. 

Moving beyond the conventional classroom, this course dismantles traditional academic compartmentalization and draws on academic, indigenous, social, and artistic perspectives. Together, we’ll address complex global issues such as climate change, sovereignty, security, and the repercussions of colonial legacies in a local setting.