PACIFIC 304
Advanced Pacific Studies
Please note: this is archived course information from 2018 for PACIFIC 304.
Description
This is the "capstone" course for the Pacific Studies major. The goal of this course is to equip and empower students in their understanding of interdisciplinary methods and approaches in Pacific studies to do work that engages Pacific communities.
We start the course with student-led discussions about issues facing Pacific communities within and outside New Zealand. Using those as a departure point, students work on their first big project in small groups, researching their chosen issue and proposing an intervention. Along the way, students learn about different resources and research approaches, as well as tap in to their own creativity.
Different modes of presenting Pacific Studies work and their relevance for real world applications - from policy papers and briefings to NGO reports - are also explored. The course features guest speakers and field trips that are designed to expose students to different kinds of work in and with Pacific communities (past field trip sites have included the Auckland Art Gallery and the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, with guest speakers from Pacific career and postgraduate students, the Ministry of Pacific Peoples and tailored workshops by Career Development and Employability Services, among others).
The last section and central feature of the course is the original research project to be completed by each student, which builds on methods and knowledge learned over the semester. The course fittingly ends with presentations at Pacific Research Night, which is open to the public.
Availability 2018
Semester 1
Lecturer(s)
Coordinator(s) Associate Professor Damon Salesa
Dr Lisa Uperesa
Points
PACIFIC 304: 15 points
Prerequisites
PACIFIC 200 and a minimum B- average at Stage II in Pacific Studies
