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The Sixth Mass Extinction

The Sixth Mass Extinction

Understanding our Contemporary Biodiversity Crisis
Open for application
DescriptionOutcomesPotential progressInformationProviders

Description

We are living through a period of rapid global extinction, called the Sixth Mass Extinction. Animals like the great auk, Tasmanian tiger, and passenger pigeon have all become recently extinct. This course will offer an interdisciplinary examination of extinction in the last 300 years. How did scientists first discover that species could become extinct? How uncertain are extinctions? How are extinction histories told in museum exhibitions? How do cultures engage with extinction in literature, film, and art? How are nature conservation projects trying to avert extinction? This course will be valuable as you face a world undergoing environmental change and will give you the tools to understand the cultural context of past, present and future extinctions.

The Team

DJ
Dolly Jørgensen
Teacher
0 learners
Study format
Online
Application period
1 July – 1 September 2025
Study period
6 October – 12 December 2025
Credits
5 ECTS
Hosting university
University of Stavanger
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Learning outcomes

Knowledge about extinction as a research field

The student has knowledge about the theories, processes, and methods for investigating extinction.

ESCO SKILLS

Demonstrate willingness to learn

Reflect over modern extinctions

The student can reflect over extinction as a modern phenomenon.

ESCO SKILLS

Think creativelyBrainstorm ideasCreate new conceptsExercise self-reflection

Find, evaluate, and write about cultural engagement with extinction

The student can find, evaluate, and write about information on cultural engagements with extinction.

ESCO SKILLS

Self-management skills and competencesSearch for information onlineEvaluate data, information and digital contentBody languageCommunicate using non-verbal language

Develop ideas and participate online

The student can develop ideas independently and participate in online discussions with others about interdisciplinary issues.

ESCO SKILLS

Listening and asking questionsKeep an open mindThink innovatelyDigital competencies

Potential progress

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Less than 5
5 or more
Goal based on on your motivation scan

Critical and innovative thinking

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Energy and sustainability

Intra-personal skills

Media and information literacy

Inter-personal skills

Global citizenship

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Information

We are living through a period of rapid global extinction, called the Sixth Mass Extinction. Animals like the great auk, Tasmanian tiger, and passenger pigeon have all become recently extinct. This course will offer an interdisciplinary examination of extinction in the last 300 years.

How did scientists first discover that species could become extinct? How uncertain are extinctions? How are extinction histories told in museum exhibitions? How do cultures engage with extinction in literature, film, and art? How are nature conservation projects trying to avert extinction?

The course will be taught online in a flexible and innovative format to allow you to engage with extinction through multimedia sources.

This course will be valuable as you face a world undergoing environmental change and will give you the tools to understand the cultural context of past, present and future extinctions.

Hosting university

University of Stavanger

University of Stavanger