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 resources from which Pacific Islanders draw their identities. By looking closely at selected novels, poetry, music, dances and other performances of pacific identity, 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 Leaves of the Banyan Tree
Patricia Grace Baby No Eyes
Lili`uokalani Hawai`i’s Story
France Frazier trans The True Story of Kaluaiko’olau
Robert Barclay Melal
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
Patricia Grace Small Holes in the Silence
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