Course Objective
This course is an interdisciplinary course that critically examines the historical and contemporary experiences of Pacific Islander (Moana/Oceanic peoples) Americans by navigating histories, poetry, music, and narratives in order to engage with some of the critical processes at work in the modern world. Though typically perceived as small, isolated, and relatively insignificant, oceania’s sea of islands covers one-third of the globe, encompasses one fourth of the world’s languages, and is home to the most skilled navigators and voyages in the world.
The Pacific has been an object of European/Western interest and fantasy since the earliest days of exploration, and continues to generate all kinds of exotic images both serene and savage, whether of paradise, of “disappearing” cultures, or threatened ecologies. Perhaps more than any other region of the globe, the Pacific has been “experienced “ beforehand through the image-making of Hollywood, television, advertisement, European Explorers, non-Pacific Islander scholars and missionaries. These fantasies continue to reflect Western desires and discourses but have very little to do with how most Pacific Islanders live their lives today whether in the Islands or in the Diaspora.
In this course we will be concerned with the experiences of both immigrant and indigenous Pacific communities. We will explore in depth the representations of the Pacific generated inside and outside the region. We will focus on the ways that individuals come to see, know, enact, and practice their membership in larger collectiveness that are both institutionally and self- defined along the lines of race, ethnicity, culture, language, gender, class, land, religion, politics and nation.
Due to the enormous amount of the diversity of cultures within the Pacific Islands we will explore general themes that impact all Pacific Islanders, but with a specific focus on the experiences of those who represent the largest Pacific Islander populations in the United States, which are namely: Tongan, Samoan, Hawaiian and Māori.
This course is designed similar to a reading and research seminar. Thus we will focus on theory and analysis rather than reporting and memorizing. You will be required to complete all the readings and participate in class discussions. Please keep in mind that you will not succeed in this course unless you attend class, keep up with all the reading assignments, turn in your work on time and study effectively for exams.
Our classroom must be a dynamic one, which would allow for both intellectual and personal growth, and must be open to having its boundaries pushed and developed by its students. It is my home that as a class we will be able to speak from within, rather than from outside or above systems that have privileged and valued certain populations and marginalized others by virtue of race/ethnicity, national origin, class and gender, for we are all part of a system of oppression. Remember the focus is on the experiences and the treatment of Pacific Islander Americans in the United States primarily from the multiple perspectives of Pacific Islanders. There are times when you may disagree with the perspectives that are presented, and you may be uncomfortable with some of the information and discussions. However, the purpose of this class is to come to a better understanding of the diverse experiences of Americans, specifically those of Pacific Islanders and the complexities of their experiences. Your thoughts and perspectives are important, respected, and valued, and having them shared with the rest of the class is crucial to the learning that is expected to take place in class. The richness and diversity of discussions will depend on the collective class to both respect the right of others to express views and practice rigorous (but worthwhile) self-reflection.
Some of the writings, lectures, films, or presentations in this course include material that some students may find offensive. Please review the syllabus carefully to ensure that the course is one that you are committed to taking. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to discuss it with me directly at your earliest convenience.
- Professor: Kris Galago