In
this course we will read a variety of texts of different genres and of
different cultures within the pacific, in an effort to identify the many ways
from which Pacific Islanders draw their identities. By looking closely at
selected novels, poetry, music, dances and other performances of pacific
cultures, the purpose of this course is to introduce students to the vastness
and variety that is pacific literature. We will also, through our analysis of
these various performances of pacific culture and identity, familiarize
ourselves with terms that are critical for us to interact with if we are to
engage pacific literature responsibly. Examples of these include the following:
“Polynesian,” “Pacific Islander,” “Native,” “Indigenous,” “Settler,” “Local,”
“Haole,” “Colonialism,” “Nation,” “Race,” and “Oceania,” to name a few. As a
class we will identify other terms throughout the semester as we encounter them
in the works we will be reading/listening to.
Required Texts (for
purchase):
Albert
Wendt Pouliuli
Patricia
Grace Potiki
Alan
Duff Once Were Warriors
S.N.
Hale’ole Lā`ieikawai
Required Texts (posted on
Laulima):
Epeli
Hau’ofa We Are The Ocean
Isaiah
Walker Waves of Resistance
Craig
Santos Perez from Unincorporated
Territory (Saina)
Karlo
Mila Dream Fish Floating
Selina
Tusitala Marsh fast talking PI
Sia
Figiel To a Young Artist in Contemplation
Vernice
Wineera Into the Luminous Tide: Pacific
Poems
Selected Artists/Musicians
(posted on Laulima):
Norm
Thompson Hawaiian Born, In These Islands, Summatime,
George
Veikoso (Fiji) Lā’ie Boy, Tribal War, Warrior of Love
Sudden
Rush Polynesian Party, Paradise Found, Don’t Blame the Youth
Adeaze
E Pa’ia
Young
Sid/Smashproof Brother, Here Then Gone, Stuck in a Box
MORE TO BE ADDED
Assignments:
6 1 page, single-spaced
critical response papers
1 Class Presentation on
selected Singer/Song/Poet/Book (10 minutes, sign up in class)
1 Mid-term paper, 3-5 pages
1 Final paper, 4-6 pages