We Are the Ocean: Oceania Sovereignties and Pasifika Futurisms

Catalog description

This introductory Oceania Studies course draws upon the words of Tongan luminary 'Epeli Hau'ofa, "we are the ocean," to introduce students to the vast world of Pasifika (Pacific Islander) sovereignty, decolonization, and futurisms. Topics within these intersections will include art and creative practice as resistance, environmental justice and relationships to land, decolonial research and Indigenous epistemologies, historical liberation struggles in Oceania, intergenerational storytelling, language revitalization, and more. Students will explore these topics by engaging with works of various mediums from Indigenous Pasifika scholars, activists, and artists. Weekly sessions will include discussions, workshops, case studies, and interactive media to understand the multiplicity of Pasifika experiences and histories. Student facilitator: Leila Tamale