Ethnic Lit of Hawaii

This
course is a study of the literature of Hawai‘i from ancient (pre-colonial)
times to the postcolonial present. While this course focuses on writers who are
“Hawai‘i born and raised” and strives to be inclusive in terms of race, gender,
and class, to bring various perspectives to our discussion we will also examine
outside works—from the U.S. Continent, the Caribbean, the South Pacific—whether
they offer exotic portrayals of the Hawaiian Islands or depictions of parallel
situations.

 

We
will be looking at the works of indigenous writers, Native Hawaiians who, with
everything from chants and mo‘olelo (folk tales) to written forms of poetry and
prose, provide the foundation for a deeper understanding of Hawai‘i’s
multifaceted culture. We will also be studying writers who are not Hawaiian in
terms of blood but either were born here or have a history and/or affinity with
this place. We will be reading fiction, poetry, essays, and mo‘olelo, listening
to songs and chants, and viewing documentary and dramatic film.  More attention will be given to works that
examine or reflect current socio-political trends and tendencies as well as the
prevailing cultural climate.

 

Texts
(available at Revolutions Books):

Local
Geography,
Dennis
Kawaharada

Kamapua‘a, the
Hawaiian Pig-God,
Lilikala Kame‘elehiwa

This is
Paradise,
Kristiana
Kahakauwila

Murder Leaves
Its Mark,
Victoria
Kneubuhl

HoiHoi
Hou: a tribute to George Helm and Kimo Mitchell,
ed. Rodney Morales

Tweakerville, Alexei
Melnick

 

There
will also be a course reader,
which will be available at Professional Image.

 

Course
Requirements:

 


short responses to the various works

• quizzes,
as necessary


two formal essays, each about 5-6 pages in length

• a
midterm and a final


attendance and participation