Nature-Based Crafts and Making

About

The nature-based crafts and making -course will explore how nature is interwoven with the craft-making process, including its role as a source of inspiration, cultural influences, and material resources. Through this intensive course, we will examine the human-nature interaction, explore the cultural and artistic expressions manifested in craft-making and craft artifacts, as well as investigate the pedagogical potential of nature-based crafts and making practices. Concurrently, participants will learn basic craft techniques, become familiar with materials and their manipulation. The course will integrate theoretical and practical approaches, providing viewpoints on nature-based crafts. The course activities will include hands-on exercises, a field trip, and reflective components. Preparatory work will consist of a 2-hour video introduction and learning tasks to be completed prior to the intensive study week taking place from Monday, August 18th through Friday, August 22nd, with sessions scheduled daily from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Taitola Building, on the UEF’s Joensuu campus. Following the intensive week in Joensuu, the participants will be required to submit a reflective learning assignment summarizing their experiences by the end of September 5th. An online learning management system (eLearn) will be utilized throughout the course. Participants will receive enrollment information for the LMS upon acceptance to the course.
Applicants are required to submit a motivation letter as a part of the application process. The letter should concisely convey your interest in and motivation to participate in the Nature-Based Crafts and Making course by addressing the following:
1) Provide an overview of your academic background and current level of studies.
2) Describe any previous experience you have with crafts and making. If you do not have any such experience, please indicate that as well. Lack of prior experience in is not a barrier to participation.
3) Explain your reasons for applying to the Nature-Based Crafts and Making course
4) Outline what you hope to learn and gain from participating in this course.
5) Discuss how you plan to apply the insights, knowledge, and skills acquired from this course in the future.
The Nature-Based Crafts and Making course has a maximum enrollment of 20 participants.
The participants will be selected and notified no later than June 1st, 2025. Those accepted into the course will receive an information letter along with the LMS enrollment key and a preliminary assignment to be completed prior to the start of the program

Course leader

Niina Väänänen

Target group

The course is primarily aimed at Finnish and international Master’s level students in the field of Education. Bachelor’s and Doctoral level students from diverse academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply, provided they have some background related to the field of education or another closely aligned discipline (i.e. psychology, design and visual arts, sociology...). Applicants from around the world are welcome

Course aim

After completing the study unit, the student will be able to 
•  analyse crafts’ connection to the larger frameworks of human-nature interaction. 
• apply theories of nature-based and sustainable craft & making practices.  
• ideate and plan nature-based hands-on craft pedagogies for diverse learning contexts.
The study unit develops the following generic skills/generic competence
Sustainability and responsibility, Critical thinking, Interaction and communication

Fee info