This course introduces students to the histories, key terms and approaches shaping the dynamic, transdisciplinary field of Pacific Studies. It outlines the ways in which Oceania has been approached, mapped and represented in scholarly, policy, arts, mainstream, and social media contexts. The course also provides an introduction to Australian, Aotearoa New Zealand and US relations with the Pacific, and a comparative lens on the nature of Pacific Studies within these countries and the islands. It emphasizes the complexity, diversity, creativity, and sovereignty of the region. Indigenous Pacific Islander approaches to engaging and learning with and from Oceania, including through dance, poetry, music, fashion and film, are particularly highlighted.
PASI2001 is a keystone course in Pacific Studies that provides a historical and contemporary understanding of Pacific Island Cultures and is foundational for anyone seeking to work in the Pacific region and/or with Pacific Island Communities.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the histories and global forces that have shaped the contemporary Pacific region.
- Evaluate and critique the ways in which the Pacific region and peoples have been mapped and represented in various disciplines and contexts.
- Describe and comprehend the nature of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary Pacific Studies in comparison with single-disciplinary approaches.
- Analyse and critique key rationales for Pacific Studies research and teaching
- Facilitate and lead discussions on contemporary Pacific issues with peers.
- Research and present group-based work on Pacific culture, heritage, arts, sports, politics, activism, media or environmental issues.
Other Information
It is strongly recommended that all students undertaking a degree with a Pacific regional focus complete this course. This course will provide foundational knowledge that will also be useful when taking other 2000 and 3000 level PASI courses.
This is a co-taught course. Any cap on enrolments in one course applies to both courses combined.
Indicative Assessment
- Leading tutorial discussion (10) [LO 1,3,5]
- Online entries in Wattle discussion forum - 10 submissions (10) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Course quiz (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Key Papers Analytical Essay (1200 words) (25) [LO 1,3,4]
- Group research project and presentation (15) [LO 5,6]
- Reflective report (1500 words and images) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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
Contact hours for this course are 2 hours of lectures and 1 hour of tutorials per week. Students are also expected to spend an additional 7-8 hours of independent study per week on class readings, tutorial preparation, group research and assignments. The workload for the class is 130 hours including in-class time and independent study.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
All course materials and readings will be provided on Wattle.
Preliminary Reading
Firth, Stewart (ed.). 2006. Globalisation and Governance in the Pacific Islands: State, Society and Governance in Melanesia. Canberra: ANU E Press. Online: press.anu.edu.au/publications/series/state-society-and-governance-melanesia/globalisation-and-governance-pacific
Hau’ofa, Epeli. 2008. We are the Ocean: Selected Works. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press.
Kabutaulaka, Tarcisius. 2015. ‘Re-Presenting Melanesia: Ignoble Savages and Melanesian Alter-Natives’ The Contemporary Pacific, Vol 27:1, 73-180.
Teaiwa, Katerina. 2014. ‘Culture moves? The Festival of Pacific Arts and Dance Remix in Oceania.’ Dance Research Aotearoa 2: 2–19.
Teaiwa, Teaiwa K. 1994. ‘bikinis and other s/pacific n/oceans’, The Contemporary Pacific. 6:1 (87-109).
Majors
Minors
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 | $5280 |
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.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3182 | 19 Feb 2024 | 26 Feb 2024 | 05 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | In Person | View |
