EESC 181 Culture & Ecology of the Hawaiian Islands

Students will develop an appreciation of the various cultural influences involved in settling and defining current day Hawaii. The Hawaiian Archipelago is one of the most remote in the world! Topics include historical events impacting Hawaii and the changes through the eras. Students embark on an historic resource study, specifically using Hawaiian units of the National Park System (NPS). The NPS mission in Hawaii is unique in that their mission is not only to preserve, but also to perpetuate and promote traditional Hawaiian culture. The Parks possess prehistoric sites as well as resources related to the period after European and American vessels began to visit the islands. Text materials will cover origins of the Hawaiian Population, origins of Hawaiian Culture and Natural Sciences of Hawaii as well as Hawaiian responses to intercultural encounters. The course will meet weekly during the semester and culminate in a 7-day trip to Hawaii. Students will have daily opportunities to embed themselves in cultural workshops or daily life of Hawaii.

Credits

3

Offered

Spring, as needed

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will gain cultural knowledge, awareness, and experience through actively observing and participating in the diversity of the culture.
2. Students will gain a broader understanding of the world in which they live and the role they play on the global stage.
3. Students will maintain a Culture and Nature Journal daily, for the duration of the trip.
4. Students will create and present a PowerPoint presentation in Kona, on a cultural aspect of their choosing and a second presentation of their science observations & experiences.
5. Students will engage in various aspects of the arts, sciences, language, literature, history, economics, government, religion, etc. while immersed in the culture.