ENG 261 : Literature of the Pacific

This class is an introduction to reading and interpreting literature of and about the cultures of the Pacific, including those of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Students will read, analyze, and appreciate works in a variety of literary genres. The class also will consider these works within their cultural, historical, political, and social contexts. Emphasis will be placed upon developing critical thinking skills through class discussion and close readings to improve students’ understanding and appreciation of individual texts as well as to illustrate and explore the significance of common and conflicting themes.