Polar Science, Arctic Governance, Policy And Law

By Dr. P Sakthivel, Associate Professor & Director | The Tamil Nadu Dr.Ambedkar Law University, Chennai

Learners enrolled: 308

Welcome to the fascinating course on Polar Science, Arctic Governance, Policy, and Law!

In this comprehensive course, we embark on an illuminating journey through the Arctic and Antarctic, where the intricate interplay of science, governance, and policy unfolds with a profound environmental significance. Our exploration begins with a foundational understanding of the Polar Regions, decoding their mysteries and delving into the basic concepts of polar science, governance, and law.

Subsequently, the course traverses the vast expanse of polar and ocean sciences, unraveling the role of satellite oceanography, scientific information systems, and the complexities of ocean governance.

As we focus more on the Arctic, we uncover its rich history of exploration, environmental concerns, and the unique challenges faced by indigenous populations amidst rapid industrialization and shipping activities.

The legal and political dimensions of Arctic governance come into sharp focus as we analyze international laws, treaties, and the competing interests of nations and stakeholders in shaping Arctic policies.

Moving to the Antarctic, we explore its pristine wilderness, the historical context of exploration, and the delicate balance between conservation and commercial interests in this unique governance model. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing climate, we delve into the science of climate change, its profound impacts on the cryosphere, and the evolving political and legal responses at both international and national levels. Through insightful case studies and rigorous analysis, we confront the global challenges facing polar regions, from competing territorial claims to the urgent need for environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.

Finally, we examine India's burgeoning role in polar affairs, from its interests in the Arctic to its contributions to conservation efforts in the Antarctic and the vital region known as the Himalayas.

With a wealth of scholarly resources at our disposal, this course promises to be a captivating exploration of the critical issues shaping the future of polar science, governance, policy, and law.

Kindly Note :- The course was initially offered during the July–October 2024 semester and received an overwhelming global response, with a total enrollment of 1,399 learners worldwide. In view of the continued demand, the course has been re-offered in the January–April 2025 semester, attracting 1,035 learners from across the globe.

Summary

Course Status :	Upcoming
Course Type :	Elective
Language for course content :	English
Duration :	15 weeks
Category :	Multidisciplinary
Credit Points :	4
Level :	Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Start Date :	17 Jul 2025
End Date :	30 Oct 2025
Enrollment Ends :	31 Aug 2025
Exam Date :
NCrF Level	4.5 — 8.0
Industry Details :	Business opportunities, shipping, tourism and governmentAcademic institutions: Research in various disciplines - academic development for PhD Scholars and Faculty
Exam time:To be announced soon :	Note: Doubt/ Live classes every Weekend

Page Visits

Course layout

Pre-requisite for the course: The course is multidisciplinary and open to students of both UG and PG. It has four credits.

Course type: Elective.

Estimated workload every week:

10 – 12 hours.
Listening to the video lectures
Reading Module contents
Taking the Internal Assessment Quiz
Reading related reference materials
Taking part in group discussions on the SWAYAM Platform.

Total assignments allotted for the course:

The student shall submit a minimum of 1 out of the total 2 assignments (Graded) on the chosen topic in the 2 allotted weeks and the best 1 out of 2 will be graded for 20 marks.
Additionally, there will be a quiz each week for 15 weeks, and the best 10 out of 15 quizzes will be count for 10 marks.

Experts:
Apart from the Course Coordinator, this program has been enriched by the contributions of several experts in the field, including:

• Dr. R Venkatesan, Professor of Practice, Anna University

• Professor S. Shanthakumar, Director, Gujarat National Law University

• Professor V. Balaji, Dean (Academic), the Tamil Nadu Dr.Ambedkar Law University

• Dr. G. Latha, Scientist G, National Institute of Ocean Technology

• Dr. M. Anand, Head, Department of Marine and Coastal Studies, Madurai Kamaraj University

• Professor Elango Lakshmanan, Visiting Faculty, IIT Madras

• Captain Anurag Bisen, Vivekanatha International Foundation

• Dr. Bipandeep Sharma, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses

• Dr. Abhay Singh, Director (I/C), SMLPA, Gujarat Maritime University

• Dr. Dharmesh S. Raval, Director (I/C) (SMM), Gujarat Maritime University

• Dr. Mohit Gupta, Gujarat Maritime University

Week wise schedule:

Week 1 - Introduction

Module 1: Decoding the Polar Regions
Module 2: Exploring Polar Science: Basic Concepts and Terms
Module 3: Understanding Polar Governance: Basic Concepts and Terms

Week 2 - Polar and Ocean Sciences

Module 4: Functionality of Science and Satellite Oceanography in the Polar Region
Module 5: Scientific Information System for Polar and Oceans
Module 6: Ocean Governance: Overview

Week 3 - Oceans and Global Governance

Module 7: Marine Diversity, Ocean Literacy and Blue Economy
Module 8: UNCLOS, Ocean Governance, Current Status
Module 9: Seabed Mining and the Authority, Seabed Mineral Resources, Extended Continental Shelf

Week 4 - Arctic Science

Module 10: Arctic Expeditions, History, Explorations and Findings
Module 11: Arctic Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation

Week 5 - Life in the Arctic

Module 12: Arctic Shipping, Fishing and Industry
Module 13: Indigenous Populations

Week 6 - Arctic Governance- International

Module 14: Law of Sea and the Arctic
Module 15: International Law relating to the Polar Region
Module 16: International Agencies and the Status of Observers in the Arctic

Week 7 - Arctic - National Laws and Governance

Module 17: Nations, Institutions and Agencies for Arctic Governance
Module 18: Arctic: Russia, Canada and USA
Module 19: Interest of EU, European Nations and Arctic Governance

Week 8 - Antarctica - A Basic Understanding

Module 20: History of Exploration and Resources in Antarctica
Module 21: Antarctic Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation
Module 22: Antarctic: Fishing and Commercial Interests

Week 9 - Antarctica - Governance and Challenges

Module 23: Conflicts and International Relations in the Antarctic
Module 24: Legal and International Mechanisms Governing the Antarctic
Module 25: Global Commons

Week 10 - Climate Change Science

Module 26: Climate Change, the Cryosphere and System Changes
Module 27: Climate Change in Polar Regions and Oceans: Issues and Challenges
Module 28: Climate Change and Energy Politics

Week 11 - Climate Change - Politics and Governance

Module 29: Climate Change Politics, Law and Policy in Western World
Module 30: Climate Change: Third World Approaches and Challenges

Week 12 - Law on Climate Change

Module 31: Climate Change – International Law, Policies and Politics
Module 32: National Actions and Responses to Climate Change in Polar Regions

Week 13 - Global Challenges and Polar Regions

Module 33: International Claims and Cooperation
Module 34: Future of Polar Sciences, Explorations and Tourism
Module 35: Conflicts and Environmental Impact Assessment: Case Studies

Week 14 - The Himalayas

Module 36: Himalayan Environment: Importance and Significance
Module 37: Protection of the Himalayas

Week 15 - Indian Policy and Polar Region

Module 38: India and the Arctic
Module 39: India and the Antarctic
Module 40: India's involvement in the Himalayas, Sustainability, and Beyond

Books and references

Myron H. Nordquist, et al., Challenges of the Changing Arctic: Continental Shelf, Navigation, and Fisheries, Brill Publishers (2016).
Joseph Romm, Climate Change: What Everyone Needs to Know, Oxford University Press, 1^st Ed. (2015).
Ingvild Ulrikke Jakobsen, Marine Protected Areas in International Law: An Arctic Perspective, Brill-Nijhoff Publishers (2016).
Akiho Shibata, et al., Emerging Legal Orders in the Arctic: The Role of Non-Arctic Actors, Routledge Publications (2019).
Tafsir Johansson and Patrick Donner, The Shipping Industry, Ocean Governance and Environmental Law in the Paradigm Shift: In Search of a Pragmatic Balance for the Arctic, Springer Publications (2015).
Ida Folkestad Soltvedt, et al., Arctic Governance: Volumes 1, 2 and 3, Bloomsbury Publishing (2019).
Gillian D. Triggs, The Antarctic Treaty Regime: Law, Environment and Resources, Cambridge University Press (2009).
Karen N. Scott and David L. Vanderzwaag, Research Handbook on Polar Law (Research Handbooks in Environmental Law Series), Edward Elgar Publishers (2020).
Dawid Bunikowski, et al., Philosophies of Polar Law, Routledge Publishers (2020).
Yoshifumi Tanaka, et al., The Routledge Handbook of Polar Law, Routledge Publishers (2023).
Mark Synnott, The Third Pole: Mystery, Obsession, and Death on Mount Everest, Penguin Random House (2021).
Ana Spalding and Daniel Suman, Oceans and Society: An Introduction to Marine Studies, Routledge/Earthscan, 1^st Ed. (2023).

Instructor bio

Dr. P Sakthivel, Associate Professor & Director

The Tamil Nadu Dr.Ambedkar Law University, Chennai

Dr. P. Sakthivel serves as the Director of the prestigious LL.B. (Hons.) programme at the Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University (TNDALU). Additionally, he holds the position of Nodal Officer for Legal Cases at TNDALU.

A Doctorate from the same University, he is a PG Degree holder in history and later an alumnus of the Government Law College, Coimbatore. He completed his Master’s Degree in law from the University of Madras, specializing in International Law and Constitutional Law.

Dr. P. Sakthivel’s expertise flows through the complex and interconnected realms of international law, environmental law and human rights. His dedication extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by his extensive international exposure.

Dr. P. Sakthivel has actively participated in international academic visits and authored publications, demonstrating a commitment to global legal discourse. His dedication to real-world application is further highlighted by his valuable consultancy work on a significant global water resources project, highlighting the desire to bridge the gap between theory and practice of law.

Teaching Assistants for the Course:

1. Thiru. Navin. S

Mr. Navin S is an Assistant Professor (Law) specializing in Environmental Law and Legal Order at the Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University. After completing B.A. English Literature from the New College, Chennai and LL.B., (Hons.) and LL.M. from the School of Excellence in Law, The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai, he is currently pursing Ph.D in Polar law at The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai.

Mr. Navin S has cleared UGC-NET (Law) in 2019 and UGC-JRF (Law) in 2020. With various publications to his credit, he also serves as the Editor of a few Department Journals of the University and a Tamil book on Consumer forum and Energy Laws. He has assisted the University in various capacities by organizing Conferences, Symposia and Seminars. His areas of interest include polar laws, international environmental law , biological diversity, sustainable development and food security.

2. Mahesha Riti. M

Ms. Mahesha Riti M is a Research Scholar (Law) at the Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University. She was awarded with UGC-JRF (Law) in 2023. She holds an LL.M. from Government Law College, Coimbatore, with a specialization in Business Law.

Ms. Mahesha Riti M served as an Assistant Professor. Also, she worked for a transgender welfare organization and AIDS prevention and control. With various publications to his credit she also published articles in UGC-CARE-listed and peer-reviewed journals. Her areas of interest include Fisheries Laws, Business Law, Intellectual property rights, and Environmental Law.

Course certificate

The Interested Learners (Students, Working Professionals, and Life-Long Learners) can enroll and learn this MOOC course for free.

If you want to get SWAYAM Certificate for this course, you have to register for SWAYAM Examination and write the proctored examination conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA: https://swayam.nta.ac.in/) in its various exam centers across India. The SWAYAM examination fee for this course is Rs.750, to be paid at the time of Exam registration.

Marks Distribution:

In this course, 30 Marks will be allocated for Internal Assessment (assignment/ discussion forum/ activity) and 70 Marks will be allocated for external proctored examination.

A minimum of 40 % passing marks (i.e. at-least 12 marks in Internal Assessment & 28 Marks in external proctored examination) will be required for being eligible for SWAYAM Certificate.

Kindly note:- The students enrolled in Universities/Institutions/Colleges can avail Credit Transfer as per UGC SWAYAM Regulations, 2021 for this course. The Host University for this Credit Transfer will be The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai.

Mode of Exam : Computer Based Test Conducted by Government of India Agency's i.e. National Testing Agency (NTA).

The Course's examination is scheduled to be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The exam, consisting of 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), will be administered nationwide by the National Testing Agency.