PASI8001 The Contemporary Pacific: Society, Politics and Development
PASI8001 is only available under certain award programs.
| Offered By | Faculty of Asian Studies |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Pasifika |
| Offered in | Second Semester, 2009 and Second Semester, 2010 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
Syllabus: The South Pacific is a region of diverse and complex island states. Its post- colonial history has been characterized by both stability and turbulence at national, regional and local levels. Pacific leaders have recently taken stock of the situation, affirmed their commitment to maintain and strengthen cultural identities, and endorsed improved regional cooperation as a means toward effective governance, security and development.
Australia’s policy towards the countries of the South Pacific, long supportive of their independence and economic development, has moved to a more interventionist approach in light of recent conflict in Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and elsewhere. This course aims to enhance understanding of the challenges and prospects facing the contemporary Pacific Islands region. It particularly engages Pacific Island cultural approaches to the current challenges. It is designed for graduate students, development practitioners and policy-makers alike. Through a series of short lectures and seminars the course examines the following topics and issues:
* Peoples and cultures of Melanesia, Polynesia and Micronesia * Historical roots of the contemporary Pacific * Conflict, stability and development issues * Regionalism and the interests of external powers * Comparing Australia, Asia and New Zealand’s 'engagement' with the Pacific * Pacific Futures
This is an intensive course run over 7 weeks with an additional two weeks for students to work on their research projects and meet with experts on their proposed topics. |
| Learning Outcomes |
At the end of this course students will have: Demonstrated a new appreciation and understanding of cultural and political diversity and complexity in the contemporary Pacific through their weekly response papers and film and reading set reviews. This writing will synthesize course content and place them in the context of current challenges and issues facing the region including how island countries and peoples are portrayed by the media and donor governments. Produced an individual research project highlighting a contemporary Pacific issue utilising a variety of research techniques including interviews with experts, literature reviews, comparison and analysis of online sources. Presented their individual research projects in a creative format utilising text-based and multimedia tools and resources. |
| Indicative Assessment |
Seminar participation and attendance: 20% (includes leading class discussion, organizing an interactive exercise and 1-2 pages of questions and reflections per week - to be archived in a portfolio) Review of reading set 20% (approx. 4-5 pages) Review of film or multimedia set 15% (approx. 3-4 pages) Research project: 40% (1-2 page proposal, 10-12 pages of background, method, findings, interviews, in-class multimedia presentation) |
| Workload | This is an intensive course run over 7 weeks with an additional two weeks for students to work on their research projects and meet with experts on their proposed topics. |
| Course Classification(s) | AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. |
| Areas of Interest | Non Language Asian Studies and Pacific Studies |
| Prescribed Texts |
* Globalisation and Governance in the Pacific Islands at ANU EPress: http://epress.anu.edu.au/ssgm/global_gov/pdf_instructions.html * Culture and Sustainable Development in the Pacific (2000/ 2005) at ANU EPress: http://epress.anu.edu.au/culture_sustainable/pdf_instructions.html * Readings will also be distributed electronically via Web CT or email, along with audiovisual materials occasionally viewed in class. |
| Preliminary Reading |
* Pre-course reading: Please read the following 3 chapters online before August 5: Culture and Sustainable Development in the Pacific (2000/ 2005) at ANU EPress: http://epress.anu.edu.au/culture_sustainable/pdf_instructions.html Introduction by Tony Hooper Chapter 1: Culture and Sustainable Development in the Pacific by Langi Kavaliku Chapter 2: The Ocean in Us by Epeli Hau’ofa |
| Majors/Specialisations | Pacific Studies |
| Programs | Master of Asia-Pacific Studies |
| Academic Contact | Dr Katerina Teaiwa |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.
