Pacific Islands Studies Certificate
Program Coordinators:
Email: genz@hawaii.edu, inglis@hawaii.edu
Office: University Classroom Building (UCB), Room 308
Tel: (808) 932-7100
Professors:
Kathryn Besio , Ph.D.Joseph Genz , Ph.D.Kerri Inglis , Ph.D.Seri Luangphinith , Ph.D.Karla McDermid Smith , Ph.D.
Associate Professors:
Kathleen Kawelu , Ph.D.
Assistant Specialist:
James Mellon , M.A.
Certificate Description:
With an interdisciplinary approach that centers Pacific Islander perspectives, voices, and experiences, the Pacific Islands Studies Certificate offers students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the cultures, geographies, and histories of Oceania. Operating within a decolonial framework, diverse fields such as anthropology, geography, history, literature, performing arts, and more offer culturally grounded, place-based inquiry that is deeply engaged with Indigenous epistemologies and methods, and that is grounded in Indigenous agency and advocacy.
Students will gain skills in knowledge exchange and collaboration with Pacific Islander communities, and be able to apply a framework for studying and contributing to contemporary regional issues across Oceania. This will prepare students for graduate studies and/or employment in Pacific environments.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be able to:
- Understand and apply the theories and methods of the inter-related but distinct fields of history, geography and anthropology (and others) to a variety of historical and contemporary issues within the Pacific
- Interact with the diverse Pacific Islander communities in Hawaiʻi and specifically at the UH Hilo campus
- Critically evaluate a variety of scientific data, theories, and perspectives pertaining to physical, environmental, and social processes occurring across Oceania
- Demonstrate a depth of knowledge about environmental and social issues in the Pacific region, and on a specific Pacific island or nation, in particular
- Effectively communicate the results of a scholarly research project in written form
- Apply their Certificate in the development of their resume or future job search