Albert Wendt is one of the most
influential, accomplished, and dynamic writers in Pacific literature. Born in
Apia, Western Samoa, in 1939, Wendt has also lived in Fiji, Hawai’i, and
Aotearoa (New Zealand), and has traveled throughout the Pacific and the world. Since
the publication of his first novel in 1973, Wendt has published numerous
novels, short stories, poetry collections, plays, anthologies, essays, and even
a book of visual art. Throughout his work, Wendt explores the complexities of Samoan
and Polynesian culture, identity, and family in different historical,
political, and geographic contexts.
The single author focus of
this course gives us the opportunity to dive deeply into the vibrant ocean of
Wendt’s published work, covering a period of forty years. During our journey,
we will learn about Samoan culture, Pacific history, island literature, and New
Oceanic perspectives.
Course Requirements
Attendance & Discussion
Participation
Short Reading Responses
Critical Essays
Midterm & Final
Course Texts
Sons for the Return
Home(1973)
Leaves of the Banyan
Tree(1979)
Black Rainbow(1995)
Adventures of Vela(2009)
Other literary and critical readings will be provided via
Laulima.