This course offers a survey of the major events, themes, and issues that make up diverse histories of the Pacific Islands region including Hawai‘i, meanwhile exploring the frequent intersections between Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian histories and historiographies. We will begin by considering island geographies, indigenous origins and origin stories, and various theories about the settlement of the islands. We will go on to explore the indigenous, early European contact, colonial, and contemporary periods with a focus on indigenous Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian experiences, interpretations, and historical agency. Throughout the term, we will consider themes such as indigenous historiography, inidigeneity, cultural encounter and change, comparative colonialisms, resistance, global conflict, land and sovereignty, urbanization, migration, climate change, and contemporary neocolonial challenges---with each offering important insights into the histories and cultures of the region.
Qualified for ENG 100.
- Write well organized and competent expository prose about the causes of significant events in the history of the Pacific Islands including Hawai‘i.
- Deliver oral presentations and lead class discussions on course readings and major concepts and themes in the history of the Pacific Islands.
- Analyze and demonstrate a knowledge of historical developments in the Pacific Islands region including Hawai‘i to present.
- Make clear historical arguments about the history of the Pacific Islands including Hawai‘i and develop them using recognized historical methods.
- Use a variety of primary source material including oral traditions, poetry, films, music, and art to analyze events, issues, and developments in the Pacific Islands including Hawai‘i to present.
- Demonstrate knowledge of artistic/epistemological endeavors through the study of works by Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian scholars, artists, and practitioners.