Building Pilina through Moʻolelo
This course serves as an introduction to literature with a focus on moʻolelo (stories) from different places across the islands of Hawaiʻi. From a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) perspective, ʻāina was used in various ways to teach Kānaka of their connection to and understanding of ʻāina. In this course, students will learn what it means to develop pilina (relationship, connection, association) with the ʻāina and utilize it as a framework to read and analyze the assigned moʻolelo, where we consider the following question: How does moʻolelo help Kānaka Maoli strengthen their pilina with the ʻāina they come from or visit? To further one’s engagement and understanding with the literature and ʻāina, students will be required to complete two close readings of moʻolelo from the reading list, two essays (one midterm and one final paper), and participate in class discussions and workshops. Course Format: Face-to-Face.
Required Texts (Tentative):
He Moʻolelo no Kapaʻahu by Emma Kapūnohuʻulaokalani Kauhi
The True Story of Kaluaikoʻolau by Piʻilani, translated by Frances N. Frazier
Selected works from The Legends and Myths of Hawaiʻi by His Hawaiian Majesty Kalākaua
Selected works from Fornander Collection of Hawaiian Antiquities and Folk-Lore, Volume IV and V by Abraham Fornander and Thomas G. Thrum