The course introduces students to the Pacific through practical engagement with the islands. The emphasis is on integrating formal learning with first hand experience. The in-country work will include fieldtrips, practical assignments and formal classes and tutorials given by staff from ANU. The course focuses on understanding the complex relationships between development, tangible and intangible heritage and cultural production.

Students will have the opportunity to experience and contribute to practical issues in the culture and heritage field including the visual and performing arts, the environment, education, development and policy work. Where possible, students will be incorporated into related in-country research projects with the appropriate ethics approval and meeting the required OH&S standards.

The course involves 4-5 weeks of intensive teaching and field experience including preparatory lectures and workshops at ANU before departure for the Pacific. We seek to run it as a topics course with options for offerings in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Hawai’i, Kiribati and Papua New Guinea. 

On completion of the course the student should minimally be able to:

1. Recognise and discuss the significance of culture and heritage to Pacific Islands societies and development issues.
2. Analyse and reflect on the relationship between the theoretical and practical aspects of culture, heritage and the arts in the Pacific with respect to the relevant literature.
3. Evaluate and report on their practical experience in the culture and heritage sector.

1. 20% Learning Journal (1000 words) Addresses learning outcome 1. 

2. 10% Tracking Practical Skills [templates available from ANU Careers Centre will be utilised] (1000 words) Addresses learning outcome 3. 

3. 30% In-country Assignment Report (1000 words = 15%, visual essay of photos and captions = 15%) Addresses learning outcome 3. 

4. 40% Final Analytical Essay (2000 words) Addresses learning outcome 2. 

Approx. 75 hours on practical assignment; 15 hours in academic tutorials and seminars; 40 hours on assessment components

Incompatible with PASI6005.

12 university courses (72 units) required before enrolment.

One of PASI 1010, PASI 2001, PASI 2002, PASI 2003, PASI 2020, or ASIA 3050 recommended

Antony Hooper, ed. (2005) Culture and Sustainable Development in the Pacific ANU EPress

Powerpoint, A/V and Skype for logistical arrangments and pre-departure seminars