Pacific encounters provide an introduction into the debates about theory and practice that shape how we conceptualise and think about the Pacific region and its peoples. And to a certain extent the relationship with Australia and its Indigenous population. The course highlights the mapping of the Pacific, early migrations, historical and current interactions. It will be interactive and based on case studies from Pacific countries, providing students a deep dive into the large and diverse Pacific region. There will be a large focus on economic, cultural, political, and social systems and the complexity of local, nation, regional and global positionalities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Critically apply a decolonising and indigenising approach to understanding Oceania as a region of diverse societies, cultures and languages.
2. 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.
3. Evaluate the debates pertinent to the contemporary Pacific, including regional institutions, governance arrangements and migration.
4. Critically analyse the continual expanding and mobilising notions of Pacific peoples, including the emerging identities and culture through space, time and place.
5. 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.

Research-Led Teaching

PASI1011: Pacific Encounters is an introductory course that grounds students in Pacific Studies as a critical, Indigenous-centred field of inquiry. Taught from so-called Australia, the course explicitly situates learning on unceded Indigenous land and foregrounds Indigenous Australian-Pacific connections, relational ways of knowing, and decolonial approaches to scholarship.

The course carries 2 units of the Indigenous Perspectives Graduate Attribute. Students are guided to engage respectfully with Indigenous knowledges, histories, and contemporary struggles across Oceania, while also reflecting critically on their own positionality as learners within a settler-colonial university. Indigenous epistemologies such as relationality, land-based knowledge, and collective responsibility are embedded throughout the curriculum, not treated as add-ons.

Students engage with Pacific scholarship, creative works, and community voices, examining themes including colonisation, land, sovereignty, regionalism, climate justice, development, and diaspora. Research-led teaching is supported through scaffolded assessments that build skills in reflexive writing, critical analysis, and ethical engagement.

Through lectures, tutorials, talanoa-style discussions, and creative assessment, PASI1011 equips students with foundational knowledge and critical tools to understand Oceania as a dynamic region shaped by Indigenous agency, historical injustice, and ongoing struggles for decolonial futures.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Oceanic Thinking and Thinking Oceania on Indigenous Land
2	Navigating the Canoe: Reflective Practice as Method
3	Voyaging and Diaspora: Stories of Movement and Settlement	Assessment 1: Reflexivity & Positionality Paper Due
4	Colonial Encounters and Gendered Conversions
5	Sovereignty and Decolonial Futures
6	Weaving the Pacific Together? From the Pacific Way to the Ocean of Peace
7	Australia in the Pacific & Pacific in Australia
8	Extractive Politics: Militarism, Mining, and the State	Assessment 2: Creative work + 500-word statement Due
9	Climate Crisis and Pacific Futurisms
10	Development or Malignant Growth? Critiques from the Pacific
11	Gender, Media, and Digital Sovereignty	Assessment 3: Critical Essay Due
12	Talanoa on Futures: What Kind of Pacific Are We Building?	Assessment 4: Reflection paper due

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Reflexivity & Positionality Paper	15 %	20/03/2026	30/03/2026	1, 2, 4
Creative Critical Response	25 %	24/04/2026	*	1, 2, 4, 5
Critical Essay	35 %	29/05/2026	*	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Reflection	15 %	05/06/2026	*	1, 4, 5
Tutorial Particiption	10 %	*	*	1, 2, 5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation Requirements and Criteria:

Active and respectful participation in tutorials is essential to your learning in PASI1011 and is worth 10% of your final grade. Participation will be assessed based on:

• Preparation: Completing and reflecting on weekly readings and activities in advance.
• Engagement: Contributing thoughtfully to discussions, group work, and talanoa-style conversations.
• Listening and Respect: Demonstrating attentive, culturally respectful, and collaborative communication with peers and tutors.
• Consistency: Attending tutorials regularly and being present (not just physically) in discussion.

Participation is not about speaking the most, but rather it’s about showing up with care, curiosity, and commitment to shared learning.

Assessment Task 1

Reflexivity & Positionality Paper

This is an individual written assessment worth 15% of the final grade. Students are required to submit a 750-word critical reflection on their positionality in relation to Pacific Studies. The paper should explore the student’s cultural, geographic, and historical location as a learner engaging with Pacific knowledge on unceded Indigenous land. It must engage with course concepts and relational ethics.

Word Limit: 750 words. The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here: https://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/cap-word-limit-and-penalty-guidelines

Presentation Requirements: Submit as a typed Word or PDF document, double-spaced, 12pt font, with references in APA or Chicago style.

Return Date: Feedback will be provided within 2 weeks of submission.

Late Submission: Late submissions without an approved extension will incur a 5% penalty per working day.

Hurdle Assessment Requirements: N/A

Individual Assessment in Group Tasks: This is an individual task. No group work required.

Assessment Task 2

Creative Critical Response

This is a group-visual and individual-written assessment worth 25% of the final grade. In small groups (3-5 students), students will create a visual collage that critically reflects how the Pacific is represented in media. The collage should use images, headlines, and materials from newspapers, magazines, online media, and promotional sources (e.g., tourism, aid, security). The collage must respond to one of three guiding questions provided in the task brief.

Each student must also submit an individual written reflection (500–700 words) discussing their interpretive process, patterns or themes identified, critical connections to course concepts (e.g. Oceanic thinking, representation, power), and reflection on group dynamics.

Word Limit: 700 words per student. The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here: https://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/cap-word-limit-and-penalty-guidelines.

Presentation Requirements:

• Collage may be submitted physically in class.
• Written reflection must be typed (Word or PDF), double-spaced, 12pt font, and include references in APA or Chicago style.
• Return Date: Feedback will be provided within 2 weeks of submission.
• Late Submission: Late submissions without an approved extension will incur a 5% penalty per working day.
• Hurdle Assessment Requirements: N/A
• Individual Assessment in Group Tasks: Each student is assessed individually based on their written reflection and contribution to the group work.

Assessment Task 3

Critical Essay

This is an individual written assessment worth 35% of the final grade. Students will submit a 1500-word critical essay responding to one of five prompts provided. The essay must demonstrate critical engagement with course themes such as decolonisation, climate justice, development, gender, digital sovereignty, or Pacific regional politics.

Students are expected to construct a clear argument, support it with evidence, and apply an Indigenous decolonial, feminist, or relational analytical lens.

Word Limit: 1500 words. The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here: https://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/cap-word-limit-and-penalty-guidelines.

Presentation Requirements: Submit as a typed Word or PDF document, double-spaced, 12pt font, with references in APA or Chicago style.

Return Date: Feedback will be provided within 2 weeks of submission.

Late Submission: Late submissions without an approved extension will incur a 5% penalty per working day.

Hurdle Assessment Requirements: N/A

Individual Assessment in Group Tasks: This is an individual task.

Assessment Task 4

Reflection

This is an individual reflective assessment worth 15% of the final grade. Students will submit a short reflection (750 words) based on the Week 12 talanoa session and the broader themes of the course. This task invites students to synthesise their learning, reflect on personal transformation, and articulate their vision for Pacific futures.

Word/Time Limit: 750 words (written). The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here: https://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/cap-word-limit-and-penalty-guidelines.

Presentation Requirements:

• Written submissions must be typed (Word or PDF), double-spaced, 12pt font.
• Return Date: Feedback will be provided within 2 weeks of submission.
• Late Submission: Late submissions without an approved extension will incur a 5% penalty per working day.
• Hurdle Assessment Requirements: N/A
• Individual Assessment in Group Tasks: This is an individual task.

Assessment Task 5

Tutorial Particiption

This is an individual, ongoing assessment worth 10% of the final grade. Tutorial participation is assessed based on students’ engagement in weekly discussions, preparedness with readings, and respectful, collaborative contribution to group activities, including talanoa, close reading, and relational learning exercises.

Active participation does not mean dominating conversation, but rather listening deeply, sharing thoughtfully, asking questions, and contributing to a supportive learning environment.

Word Limit: N/A

Presentation Requirements: Ongoing participation; no submission required.

Return Date: Participation grades will be released at the end of semester.

Late Submission: N/A

Hurdle Assessment Requirements: N/A

Individual Assessment in Group Tasks: Assessed individually.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

All student work will be returned via the course’s Canvas site. Feedback and grades will be provided electronically within three weeks of the assessment due date, unless otherwise advised. Students will be notified through Canvas when feedback is available.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of assignments is not permitted unless formally approved by the course convenor under special circumstances (e.g. extension, academic integrity review, or support plan through Access & Inclusion). Students are encouraged to seek feedback and support prior to submission. Drafts will not be marked but may be discussed during office hours or tutorials.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students