In this course, we will read, discuss,
and interpret contemporary literature (poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and plays)
by Native Pacific writers from Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Some
themes we will focus on include indigenous identity, colonialism,
decolonization, sexuality, gender, migration, tourism, militarism, and
environmentalism. Additionally, we will examine the critical theories of
Pacific Literature, watch literature-inspired films, and listen to audio
recordings of Pacific writers perform their work. As a bonus, some of these
writers will visit our class, either in person or via Skype.
Requirements: Attendance, in-class
participation, informal reader response papers, three formal essays, a
presentation, a mid-term, and a final exam. You will also be required to attend
several literary events during the semester.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Emelihter Kihleng, My Urohs(poetry)
Brandy Nalani McDougall, The Salt Wind Ka Makani Pa’akai(poetry)
Craig Santos Perez from unincorporated territory [saina] (poetry)
Sia Figiel, Where We Once Belonged (novel)
Patricia Grace, Tu (novel)
Lisa Linn Kanae, Islands Linked By Ocean (short stories)
Varua Tupu: New Writing and
Art from French Polynesia
(anthology), ed. Frank Stewart, Kareva Mateata-allain, and
Alexander Dale Mawyer
Additional
readings will be provided by the instructor in photocopied or PDF form. These
readings will include work by Albert Wendt, Steven Winduo, Vilsoni Hereniko,
Caroline Sinavaiana, Epeli Hau‘ofa, Konai Helu Thaman, Wayne Westlake,
Haunani-Kay Trask, Hone Tuwhare, Witi Ihimaera, Robert Sullivan, Teresia
Teaiwa, and others.