This course introduces students to the histories, key terms and approaches shaping the dynamic field of Pacific Studies. It outlines the ways in which Oceania has been mapped, represented and approached in scholarly and popular knowledge and emphasizes the complexity and diversity of this region. It provides an introduction in particular to the ways in which Australia and New Zealand interact with the Pacific and a comparative lens on the position of Pacific Islander communities within these two countries. Indigenous Pacific Islander approaches to engaging and learning Oceania are particularly highlighted.

In order to pass this course you must attend all tutorials and submit all written 

assessment. You cannot pass the course if you miss one of these components.  

At the end of this course students will have been provided with the tools to:  

• Demonstrate an understanding of the history and contemporary nature of 

Pacific regionalism and Australia's historical and policy role in this process.  

• Evaluate and critique the various ways in which the region and Pacific Island 

peoples have been mapped and represented in various disciplines and popular 

media.  

• Comprehend and describe the nature of transdisciplinary Pacific Studies in 

comparison with single-disciplinary approaches.   

• Demonstrate an awareness of the complexity and diversity of Oceania in terms 

of history, culture, development, environment, migration, gender relations, the 

arts and politics through group research projects.  

• Facilitate and lead discussions on contemporary Pacific issues with peers.  

Assignment 1: Attendance and Participation - Reflections of Oceania 

Up to one page - Outline (15%)  

Due: First Monday after every Friday tutorial. 

This grade is based on tutorial attendance, activities, and participation in group 

discussions over the period of the course. Tutorials are not optional so you must 

have a medical certificate if you are absent.   

Please submit no more then 1 typed page of reflections outlining your response 

to each lecture and tutorial reading. The page should be spaced at 1.5 (not single 

or double). This should include at least 3 questions you have on the reading to share 

with your classmates. 

Assignment 2: Relations and connections in Oceania 

1200 – 1500 Word Review [Graduate students 2000] (15%)  

Due: March 27, 2009 

First read Teresia K. Teaiwa’s L(o)osing the Edge. The Contemporary Pacific, 

Volume 13, Number 2 (Fall 2001). Then select two of the short articles from the 

list below. They are all about the ways in which people of diverse backgrounds 

connect to the Pacific.  Teaiwa is of Kiribati heritage, Wesley-Smith, Irish, Albert 

Wendt, Samoan and German, and Dvorak and Melsisi, American heritage.   

Write a review of the 3 articles in three to four 1.5 spaced pages. Graduate students

are expected to submit 5-6 pages.  

Follow these guidelines:  

1. Teaiwa presents a manifesto for the practice of Pacific Studies. Give a brief 

summary of your reading of her argument.  

2. How do your chosen readings align themselves with Teaiwa’s framework? 

3. What critical questions does this raise?

The Ocean in Me (Wesley-Smith 2004)  

From Islands to Atolls (Dvorak 2007)  

Hangin with the Sisters in Melsisi (Lightner 2007)  

Pacific Maps and Fiction(s) – A personal journey (Wendt 1989)  

Assignment 3: Imagining Oceania  

2000 Word Essay [2500 for graduate students] (20%) 

Due:  May 8, 2009 

1. Take a problem in an academic discipline that you are familiar with.  How does 

what you have learnt in this course effect or change your understanding of the 

issue? 

This is a research paper.  Support your argument with specific examples or case 

studies.  You will be expected to use additional sources to those provided in the 

course. 

Assignment 4: Wan Kanu Research  

Group Project Presentation- multimedia (20%) 

Due: May 29, 2009 

“Kanu” is the Tok Pisin (PNG Pidgin) term for canoe.  

1. The class will be divided into "kanu" research groups of 3-5 members.  Options 

for topics will be discussed in tutorials.   

2. The presentations will be a creative representation of the topic question as 

distinct from a straight oral presentation. Groups are expected to incorporate 

forms of multimedia into their presentation.   

3. Groups will be required to submit the presentation in Powerpoint, CD, DVD or 

another chosen medium.  

4. Each group will submit an 800-1000 word report detailing their findings, along 

with a list of resources used. It must be clear that all group members contributed to

the final presentation. 

Imagine 3 or 5 people in a canoe with just 1 person paddling. Ideally it would be 

better for all members to paddle or to take turns and share responsibilities for 

getting to your destination.  

5. Groups will also be required to submit a one-page report evaluating the group 

process.  All members must agree with the final evaluation. 

Assignment 5: Final Exam  

Take-home exam- 2000 words plus relevant images or artwork  (30%) 

Due: June 12, 2009  

This take-home exam will be provided one week before its due date. I will give an 

indication of topics towards the end of the semester. Graduate student are expected to submit 3000 words.