How do Indigenous people in Hawaiʻi and around the Pacific region tell
stories through the short forms of short stories and short films? Drawing on
Cherokee writer Thomas King’s idea about stories, and considering the practical
side of writing and filmmaking, we will consider why these short forms are so
popular in the Pacific. As we examine specific short texts we will build up a
complex, dynamic and critical view of self-representation in the region.
This is a writing-intensive course that will feature peer review and
regular class discussion. Required reading not listed below will be available
to download and print via Laulima. Film texts will be provided to the class
through weblinks and class screenings.
Assessment:
Two shorter papers 30%
One longer paper 25%
Informal writing 15%
Group presentation 10%
Exam 15%
Participation 5%
Required texts (available
at UHM bookstore)
Lisa Linn Kanae. Islands
Linked by Ocean.Honolulu, HI : Bamboo Ridge Press, 2009.
Marsh (ed). Niu Voices.Wellington: Huia, 2007.
Epeli Hau’ofa. Tales of
the Tikongs.Honoulu: UH Press 1994.
Matamai2: Intersecting
Knowledge across the Diaspora (Volume 2). CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Platform/ Ala Press, 2012.
Thomas King. The Truth About
Stories. Minneapolis: U Minnesota Press, 2008.