This course explores images of Pacific Islands and Islanders in an effort to understand the power of representation and its relationship to the construction of knowledge. Today's increasing prominence of indigenous voices and epistemologies, together with current shifts within anthropology, have redirected Pacific Island studies. Issues of power and representation are increasingly seen as pivotal in understanding how various narratives and images influence one another and, ultimately, shape the nature of outsiders' knowledge about the Pacific Islands and frame their encounters with Pacific- Islanders.
Readings are primarily from primary sources.
Class discussion will draw out students' reflections upon, and analysis of, these sources. Please make sure to complete the reading by the day on which it is listed in the syllabus. Completing the reading on time will help guarantee fruitful discussion. Please ensure that discussion will be productive and spirited by being a participant as well as a listener. My decision to limit class enrollment is directly linked to this goal.