Hawaiian Studies (HWST)

This course is an introduction to the unique aspects of Hawai‘i and Hawaiian culture in relation to the larger Pacific including origins, language, religion, land, art, history, and current issues.

This course will introduce students to modern Hawaiian canoe voyaging through an examination of the science and narratives of ancient voyaging, the history of the modern revival of voyaging, and the Hawaiian navigator’s toolkit.

This course presents Hawaiian values through the traditional family system. Ancestral family practices will be investigated and compared with current Hawaiian lifestyles and values.

This course is an introduction to hula and oli (chant) covering the fundamentals of traditional dance and practices, language, and regional traditions.

This course is an introduction to hula ʻauana covering the fundamentals of contemporary Hawaiian dance, music, practices, language, poetry, and regional traditions.

For the past 2,000 years taro, or kalo, has been the main staple and most important food of the Hawaiian people. It has also played a very important role in the beliefs and daily lives of Hawaiians. This course will study the cultural link between the Hawaiians and kalo through the study of traditional cultivation, maintenance, and processing methods used by the Hawaiians. This will occur in conjunction with hands-on experience.

This is an intermediate-level course that will continue the study of the cultural link between the Hawaiians and kalo, with more in-depth and hands-on methods of cultivation practices, traditional food preparation, and lo‘i management issues and care.

This course studies musical traditions in Hawai‘i from pre-contact to the present. It includes indigenous Hawaiian music, its acculturated forms and contemporary trends, and non- Hawaiian music in Hawai‘i. Students will consider aspects of musical style,

instruments used, composition, teaching and performance practice, the role of music in society, and repertoire. No musical background is necessary.

See explanation under the heading of Special Studies.

The course focuses on the importance of plants and their influence upon the cultures of Hawai‘i and the Pacific. Students learn traditional and contemporary use of cultivated and wild plants.

This course studies Hawaiian fishes, birds, and other creatures--their identification and habitat and their place in the heritage of the Hawaiian people, methods of capture, conservation techniques, and practical uses. Hawaiian and biological terminology will be used.

Students refine and enhance the skills learned in HWST 128.

Students will refine and enhance the skills learned in HWST 129.

HWST 270 is an introduction to Hawaiian mythology and mo‘olelo as a basis of understanding (or a reflection) of Hawaiian culture, values, metaphor, and worldviews. This course will investigate and analyze oral and written Hawaiian literary sources and the roles of akua, ‘aumakua, kupua and kanaka.

This course is a survey of the Hawaiian and Polynesian environment in relationship to migration, voyaging, and folklore. This course will provide the student with the basics of wayfinding (or non-instrument) techniques as utilized by the voyages of Hōkūle‘a, Hawai‘i Loa, Makali‘i, and other Polynesian voyaging canoes. In addition, the class will explore and appreciate the cultural impact of long distance voyaging and the settlement of Polynesia upon contemporary society.

This course will introduce students to the skills of Polynesian navigation and seamanship through the exploration and experiences of the voyages of contemporary Polynesian voyaging canoes. In addition, students will have opportunities to learn and practice some of these skills on a double-hulled sailing canoe.

This course investigates Polynesian connections through life experiences. This is a study abroad course in which the student will experience the interconnectedness of the peoples and cultures of Polynesia through cultural immersion. Studies will begin on the home campus and culminate with a visit to the host country.

See explanation under the heading of Special Studies.