Lec 1: What is Pacific Studies?

Question 1

What are 4 purposes for pacific studies? Purpose 1

Answer 1

1. Finding your own perspective through academic study.

Question 2

Purpose 2

Answer 2

2. Having little to no knowledge of the region and wanting to learn more

Question 3

Purpose 3

Answer 3

Practice critical thinking, communication and analysis of diverse perspectives.

Question 4

Purpose 4

Answer 4

Interdisciplinary and usage of various forms of knowledge systems, e.g., carvers, navigators, musicians etc.

Question 5

Name an important author and reading 1

Answer 5

False divides by Lana Lopesi: Geopolitics; the use of pacific islands like Hawaii, Guam and America samoa as outposts for military bases, resource extraction from Banaba and Papa New Guinea and nuclear testing in Melanesia are examples of powerful nations that exploit, experiment and destroy these pacific nations without permission or repercussion.

Question 6

Name an important author and reading 2

Answer 6

Our sea of Phosphate by Katarina Teaiwa: Phosphate mining in Banaba and Nauru. The white men used the guise of friendship and kin, employment and social relations to colonise the “natives”. No protection of land or people. Caused displacement.