Pacific Studies Minor
Hours - 15 Credit Hours
Effective Jan. 2026
Last Revision 4/27/2026
Faculty Unit Assignment: Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts
Sponsoring Program: Pacific Studies
Holokai Category: Arts & Humanities
Program Requirements
Core Requirement — 6 Credits
| Course Number | Title | Semesters Offered | Credit Hours | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAIS 105 | Introduction to Pacific Studies | F, W, S | 3.0 | |
| PAIS 200 | Place and Positionality on Native Lands | F, W, S | 3.0 | PAIS 105 |
Electives — 9 Credits
(must take 3 credits of 300 level or above)
| Course Number | Title | Semesters Offered | Credit hours | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAIS 220 | Pacific Social Development | F, W | 3.0 | PAIS 105 or IPB 121 |
| PAIS 250 | Polynesian Dance and Performance | F, W, S | 3.0 | |
| PAIS 275 | Pacific Wood Carving | F, W, S | 3.0 | |
| PAIS 310 | Indigenous Pacific Research Methodologies | F, W | 3.0 | PAIS 105 |
| PAIS 320 | Peace and Conflict in the Pacific | Variable | 3.0 | PAIS 105 or IPB 121 |
| PAIS 330 | Sovereignty and Self Governance in Oceania | F, W | 3.0 | PAIS 105 |
| PAIS 331 | Women in Oceania | F, S | 3.0 | PAIS 105 |
| PAIS 340 | Anti-Racism and Belonging: Pacific Dialogue | F, W | 3.0 | PAIS 105 |
| PAIS 341 | Migration and Diaspora | F,S | 3.0 | PAIS 105 |
| PAIS 350 | Resistance in the Pacific: Writing, Music and Poetry | F,W | 3.0 | PAIS 105 |
| PAIS 375 | Sustaining Oceania: Climate and Resource Stewardship | W, S | 3.0 | PAIS 105 |
| PAIS 390R | Special Topics in Pacific Studies | F, W, S | 3.0 | PAIS 105 |
| LANG 100/200/300 | HAWN/MAOR/SAMN/TONG (Pacific Languages Only) | Variable | 3+ | |
| HIST 362 | History of the Pacific | S | 3.0 | |
| HUM 301 | Culture of Oceania | F | 3.0 | |
| IPB 352 | Intercultural Conflict Dynamics | F | 3.0 | IPB 121 or permission of instructor |
Additional Program Requirements
All passing grades will be accepted in fulfilling minor or certificate requirements.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completing a major in Pacific Islands studies, students will:
- 1. Demonstrate competence in core Pacific Studies knowledge (history, geography, language, traditions, values, arts, literature, politics, perspectives) and cultural practices (protocols, ceremonies, day-to-day lifestyles)
- Develop information literacy skills to evaluate and utilize primary and secondary sources, and critically analyze findings of Pacific Island Studies sources.
- Conduct research and develop critical thinking skills to identify resources, analyze issues, and create solutions in Oceania.
- Demonstrate knowledge of indigenous Pacific worldviews, languages, values, and viewpoints through verbal and written expressions.