Teaching the Arctic’s sustainable development at Russian universities

ABSTRACT This study examines how teaching sustainable development (SD) is organized in the Russian universities responsible for training specialists for the Arctic. The empirical data for the study are drawn from Russian universities’ curricula and course syllabi. The paper discusses both achievements and problems related to the integration of SD courses into university programs. On the one hand, SD-related disciplines became an integral part of many natural and social sciences training programs. On the other hand, some problems can be identified: First, very few courses and programs are based on the so-called integrated approach to the SD concept which includes all components of sustainability. Second, not all UN Sustainable Development Goals are properly covered by university curricula. Third, some university teachers prefer the concept of resilience rather than sustainability, considering it more realistic. Fourth, many SD courses and programs tend to ignore indigenous knowledge about SD strategies. Fifth, not all Arctic SD-related university programs and courses are properly equipped with teaching materials. Finally, many SD courses are of a purely theoretical character and, for this reason, not very helpful for practical application of knowledge and skills acquired by students.