The course introduces students to the Pacific through practical engagement with the Pacific islands and/ or Pacific diasporas and histories in Australia. The emphasis is on integrating formal learning with first-hand experience. The in-country work and fieldtrips will include practical assignments and classes and tutorials given by staff from ANU and partner organisations. The course focuses on understanding the complex relationships between tangible and intangible heritage, cultural production and thematic issues relevant to the islands and communities with whom students are collaborating.
Students will have the opportunity to experience and contribute to practical issues in the culture and heritage field including the visual and performing arts, the environment, education, development and policy work.
The course involves 4-5 weeks of intensive teaching and field experience including preparatory lectures and workshops at ANU before departure.
PASI6005 offers a unique opportunity for an in-country learning experience under the expert guidance of Prof. Teaiwa that reinforces classroom-taught PASI courses where students will learn about Pacific Island societies and the many ways intangible cultural values are expressed. The course is highly recommended for anyone pursuing a postgraduate degree in Pacific Studies. The course will also greatly facilitate student learning and comprehension in other 6000 and 8000 level PASI courses, and will provide a strong foundation for any professional role that engages with the Pacific region.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Comprehend and discuss the significance of culture and heritage to Pacific Island communities in the islands or diaspora through engagement with literature, media , communities and life stories.
- Evaluate and respond to real life situations and social signals in culturally appropriate ways.
- Analyse and reflect on the relationship between the theoretical and practical aspects of doing Pacific Studies beyond the classroom.
- Integrate practical experience with formal study modalities and disseminate findings via written report, creative medium, and/or social media.
- Research, analyse and produce a high standard academic paper or briefing on a topic relevant to the field school.
- Acknowledge Pacific Islanders' perspectives and re-communicate those perspectives beyond a Pacific context.
Work Integrated Learning
Fieldwork
This WIL activity offers you first-hand experience to understand theories, develop skills and apply that knowledge.
Other Information
Please note that this is an in country study tour course. Enrolment in this course will be through the terradotta studio abroad site (https://anu-au-sa.terradotta.com/) as a Short Program. Students are required to register on the system in order to apply for the course. There are a number of scholarships and grants available for student who undertake this course in order to assist them to go. Please contact the CAP student centre (cap.student@anu.edu.au) for more information.
This is a co-taught course. Any cap on enrolments in one
course applies to both courses combined.
Indicative Assessment
- Reflective journal - 1200 words and photographs (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Tracking Practical Skills - 600 words (10) [LO 2]
- Interview with a Pacific personality - 2000 words (30) [LO 1,3]
- Research essay or report- 3000 words (40) [LO 3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
For a two-week Pacific field school, the course workload is approximately 10 hours of pre-departure meetings and discussions; 10 hours of tutorials and talks during the study tour; 2 weeks of travel, practical assignments, excursions and assessment (equivalent 100 hours). Post-field school, final assessment and field school debrief are approximately 12 hours.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the School of Culture History and Language to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Pacific Arts Association Journal
https://pacificarts.org/journal/
Touring Pacific Cultures
https://press.anu.edu.au/publications/touring-pacific-cultures
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4080 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Spring Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9275 | 01 Oct 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | 31 Dec 2025 | In Person | N/A |
