Catalog 2022–2023

Hawaiian Studies

This is content from the Catalog 2022–2023 past issue. Please visit the current catalog for current information.

Department Chair: Jason Iota Cabral, Ph.D.
Email: jasoncab@hawaii.edu
Website: www.olelo.hawaii.edu/khuok/

The Hawaiian Studies program is the core program of the College, approved by the BOR in 1982 as a program distinguished by the use of Hawaiian as the medium of instruction. This use of immersion methodology at the tertiary level is highly distinctive, not only for Hawaiʻi, but on a national level. The growth of the program is closely tied to its leadership role in reestablishing Hawaiian as the medium of education in preschools (1984) and in K-12 education (1986), as well as in establishing a teacher certification program (1998), masters of arts programs (1998), and a doctoral program (2006).

The Hawaiian Studies program basically serves:

  • Those majoring in Hawaiian Studies;
  • Those pursuing a Certificate in Hawaiian Language, Hawaiian Culture, and/or Multidisciplinary Hawaiian Studies;
  • Those pursuing a minor in Hawaiian Studies; and
  • Those taking courses for their own interest and to fulfill University requirements.

The program provides a unique educational opportunity for students interested in culture, economics, politics, sociology, linguistics, music, anthropology, biology, geography, history, and dance.

Hawaiian Studies Program Learner Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate oral and written comprehension and grammatically correct use of Hawaiian at the appropriate ACTFL levels in the respective language courses.
  2. Apply knowledge of the language to give an effective speech in Hawaiian and to write an effective academic paper in Hawaiian of at least two thousand words on pertinent topics that is organized succinctly with an introduction, body, and conclusion that includes footnotes and citations.
  3. Locate and utilize library, on-line and community resources to write a cohesive academic paper, prepare a presentation, or give appropriate diversiform speeches.
  4. Identify, explain, and perform traditional practices within respective courses and College-wide activities.
  5. Identify and explain aspects of the evolution of the Hawaiian language and its relationship to the current cultural, social, and/or political standing of Hawaiʻi.
  6. Identify and explain Hawaiian cultural concepts within respective courses and College-wide activities.

Curricula