Pacific encounters provides an introduction into the debates about theory and practice that shape how we conceptualise and think about the Pacific region and its peoples. The course is built around three learning modules - the past, present and future. In the past we come to understand the voyages that brought people to the region and the stories they tell about their journeys. We investigate colonisation, the impact it had and still has on the region, and the different ways it can be understood. In the recent present we examine the new voyages that Pacific people have taken into places like Australia, New Zealand and the United States. In doing so we look at how people move within and between these new boundaries and how Pacific cultures and identities have evolved over time and place. Finally, we bring all of these themes together by examining how the past and the present can help us imagine the future.
This course will be taught in Japan (in English) as part of the Bachelor of Asia Pacific Affairs.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Critically apply a decolonising and indigenising approach to understanding Oceania as a region of diverse societies, cultures and languages
- Demonstrate an understanding of diverse transdisciplinary approaches and methods drawn from the humanities, social sciences and environmental studies, to synthesize knowledge about Oceania and its place in the world
- Evaluate the debates pertinent to the contemporary Pacific, including regional institutions, governance arrangements and migration
- Critically analyse the continual expanding and mobilising notions of Pacific peoples, including the emerging identities and culture through space, time and place
- Exercise critical thinking in identifying and evaluating challenges and strategies in Oceania using academic and other approaches addressing a variety of scholarly, policy and public audiences
Indicative Assessment
- Reflective essay (750 word or 10 minute video) (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Minor essay (1000 words) (25) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Participation (10) [LO 2,3,4]
- Major essay (1500 words) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Country Presentation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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
This course comprises some 130 hours of activity over 12 weeks, including some 24 hours of lectures or an equivalent activity and some 12 hours of tutorials or equivalent activity. The course comprises a maximum of 6000 words of assessment or the equivalent.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts for this course, however, the following two journal articles provide a useful introduction into Pacific Studies
Wesley-Smith, T 1995, ‘Rethinking Pacific Islands Studies’, Pacific Studies, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 115-37.
Hau‘ofa, E 1993, ‘Our Sea of Islands’, in V Naidu, E Waddell & E Hau‘ofa (eds), A New Oceania: Rediscovering Our Sea of Islands, School of Social and Economic Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva.
In addition, throughout the course you will find these references useful resources.
D'Arcy, P 2006, The People of the Sea: Environment, Identity and History in Oceania, University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu.
Crocombe, R 2008, The South Pacific, 7th edn, IPS Publications, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji. This book will provide important case material and examples for assessment tasks.
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 |
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.
Autumn Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5289 | 01 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | 30 Jun 2026 | In Person | N/A |