Aloha mai kākou! Hawaiʻi is the 8-island chain in the pacific, home to some of the greatest voyagers in the world and to a reviving culture and language today. This course is an introduction to the culture, history, and language of Hawaiʻi.
Over the course of the semester, students will be exposed to various cultural practices (which includes language, as language is a vital part of culture), learn about the history of Hawaiʻi, discuss colonization, understand the concepts of Aloha ʻĀina, and think critically about current issues.
Throughout the course, there will be an emphasis on unlearning the colonizer’s history and relearning Hawaiʻi’s complex history through the works, experiences, and expertise of Kanaka maoli scholars and activists. Additionally, we will discuss the history of the language from itʻs outlaw to its revitalization and perpetuation today. We are our ancestorʻs greatest dreams, and we speak their languages so we will be able to converse when we join them.
We’ll discuss important issues, both current and past, from the efforts to protect Mauna Kea, to the state of the climate crisis in the islands, to how COVID-19 has uniquely impacted Hawaiʻi. This class is designed to bring insight to the Hawaiian perspective and spark critical thinking for conversation about current issues. The ultimate goal of this course is to gain a basic understanding of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, perpetuate Hawaiian culture, and discuss how Hawaiʻi is still undergoing colonization.
Since this is a 2 Unit and Pass/No Pass course, attendance is mandatory with a maximum of two absences (unless otherwise discussed with the instructor) and grades will be based on class participation (discussion and activities), reflections, and other writing and research assignments. Informational articles will occasionally be given for homework and class discussion. A two-page thesis paper will be given at the end of the course.