ANTH 35600 - Polynesian Cultures

This course will provide students with a broad overview of the peoples and distinctive cultures of the Central and South Pacific island worlds of Polynesia. We will examine Polynesia over time beginning when the islands were settled in the prehistoric era, discuss the transformations that occurred through Western contact and colonialization, and consider the more recent impacts of globalization. We will explore many of the central topics in anthropological studies of Polynesia, including political and social organization; economics; gender and sexuality; identity and personhood; art and dance; and religious belief and practice. We will finish the course by looking at important contemporary issues, such as transnational migration, tourism, public health dilemmas, and transformations in cultural and ethnic identities. Readings and films have been selected to give students experience with a variety of different Polynesian societies, including Hawai’i, Samoa, the Kingdom of Tonga, Tahiti, Tuvalu, the Cook Islands, Rotuma, and the Maori of Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Cr. 3.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Learn about Polynesian cultures, and key anthropological concepts, issues and debates that are important to understanding this vibrant region of the world.
2. Apply anthropological concepts presented in class by using these concepts in writing a set of reaction papers on a variety of important topics.
3. Learn to be held to the ethical standards of the University and the discipline of Anthropology in completing all written work and examinations.
4. Teach the value of cross-cultural research and ethological comparison, and promote the value of mutual respect for persons and groups with different cultural values and practices.
5. Improve their skills in written communication by completing a number of written assignments, and oral communication as they critically discuss the course readings in class.