ANTH 135 - Pacific Island Peoples

Course Description

  • Recommended Prep: Placement in ENG 22/60

Introduction to the peoples and cultures of the Pacific Islands. Emphasis is on cultural change and comparisons with Hawaiian ancient and modern cultures. Cross-listed as SSCI 125.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of ANTH 135, the student will be able to:

  • Recognize the voyaging spirit and skills of Pacific island navigators
  • Explain Pacific settlement theory and the types of evidence used in the development of this theory
  • Explain the relationship between culture and ecology in the Pacific Islands
  • Identify cultural differences and similarities in the three culture areas of the Pacific: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia
  • Evaluate the impact of European and Asian influence in Hawaii and other Pacific island societies
  • Compare and contrast economic opportunities and constraints in Hawaii and other Pacific societies
  • Identify social problems in the contemporary Pacific and assess their potential impact on Hawaii
  • Produce research reports based on several published sources, including indigenous accounts, of three pacific island cultures using college-level writing with citations