History, Culture & Politics in the Pacific

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the social, cultural, political, and economic processes that shape the Pacific region and the impact of various development models on the region’s ecosystems. Characterized by great cultural diversity, economic inequality and rapid social change, the region’s nation-states, communities and cultures struggle to pursue livelihoods for all without destroying the ecosystems they inhabit. This course orients students to the historical, cultural and sociopolitical contexts of the nation-states they visit as well as the drivers and frameworks supporting regional economic and political cooperation. In particular, students will learn how diverse communities collaborate to pursue shared goals of sustainable development, social justice and peaceful coexistence. The course offers students opportunities to learn directly from various local communities, international organizations and experts in the field through an integrated learning experience based on lectures, seminars and fieldwork.