Pacific Islands Studies
Moore 215
1890 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7700
Fax: (808) 956-7053
Faculty
*R. Kiste, PhD (Chair)--anthropology
*E. Beauchamp, PhD--education
*M. Chapman, PhD--geography
D. Chappell, PhD--history
L. G. Eldredge, PhD--marine zoology
*B. Finney, PhD--anthropology
*M. W. Graves, PhD--anthropology
*M. Hamnett, PhD--anthropology
*D. L. Hanlon, PhD--history
V. Hereniko, PhD--literature
*A. Howard, PhD--anthropology
*T. L. Hunt, PhD--anthropology
*L. K. Kame‘eleihiwa, PhD--Hawaiian studies
*E. A. Kay, PhD--zoology
M. Kelly, MA--ethnic studies
*C. Lamoureux, PhD--botany
*N. D. Lewis, PhD--geography
*J. Mak, PhD--economics
J. F. Mayer, MA--Indo-Pacific languages
J. Moulin, PhD--music
*M. R. Ogden, PhD--communication
*K. M. Peacock, PhD--Pacific Collection curator
*A. B. Robillard, PhD--social science and political economics of health
services development in Oceania
*B. V. Rolett, PhD--anthropology
*H. Trask, PhD--Hawaiian studies
*F. Untalan, DSW--public health
*J. Van Dyke, JD--law
*D. Waite, PhD--art
*J. Ward, PhD--Indo-Pacific languages
*T. A. Wesley-Smith, PhD--political science
Affiliate Graduate Faculty
G. M. White, PhD--psychological anthropology, cognition and language,
mental health, Melanesia
*Graduate Faculty
Degrees and Certificate Offered: BA in liberal
studies (Pacific Islands studies), MA in Pacific Islands studies,
Certificate in Pacific Islands studies
The Academic Program
Since the establishment of the Pacific Islands studies
program in 1950, the University of Hawai‘i has made a special
commitment to the Pacific Islands region, its peoples, and their
environment. On the Manoa campus alone, some 200 faculty members
(including a large number in the natural sciences, physical sciences,
and tropical agriculture) have teaching and research interests related
to the Pacific region. In addition, the University’s Hamilton Library
houses one of the finest collections of Pacific materials in the world.
With a core faculty of 30 members drawn from a wide variety of academic
disciplines, the Pacific Islands studies program offers
multidisciplinary programs of study leading to the MA in Pacific Islands
studies and the Certificate in Pacific Islands Studies. A “major
equivalent” in Pacific Islands studies is available through the BA
program in liberal studies.
The University of Hawai‘i is the only university in
the United States to offer an MA in Pacific Islands studies. The MA in
Pacific Islands studies is intended for students who desire a
multidisciplinary degree focused on the Pacific Islands region
(Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia). The Certificate in Pacific
Islands Studies is designed for students pursuing advanced degrees in
other areas and whose course of study includes a substantial component
of Pacific-related courses and research. The objective of the
certificate is to provide recognition of this expertise and to encourage
further study in the Pacific region. Undergraduate students who wish to
focus their studies by integrating courses in anthropology, history,
geography, Indo-Pacific languages, etc. with work in Pacific Islands
studies may earn the BA in liberal studies (Pacific Islands studies).
Undergraduate Study
Bachelor’s Degree
The study of Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia,
including the Polynesian aspects of Hawai‘i and New Zealand, might
integrate courses in anthropology, history, geography, Indo-Pacific
languages, religion, etc. with work in the Center for Pacific Islands
Studies. Prospective students should contact the department for further
information on the BA in liberal studies (Pacific Islands studies)
program.
Graduate Study
Master’s Degree
The MA in Pacific Islands studies is intended for
students of the region who wish to transcend established disciplinary
boundaries and explore innovative interdisciplinary approaches to
learning, research, and writing. Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis)
are offered. Students selecting Plan A complete a scholarly
research-based thesis on a Pacific Islands- related topic. Those opting
for Plan B must also demonstrate an ability to conduct independent
research and produce a final research paper that is substantial in
nature and represents a contribution to the field of study. Some recent
graduates are pursuing doctoral degrees in traditional disciplines;
others are employed in a wide variety of fields, such as education,
social work, publishing, and library and museum work.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should have some knowledge of the physical
features, cultural characteristics, and history of the region, as well
as some familiarity with contemporary issues and concerns. Normally, 18
credits, or the equivalent, of appropriate Pacific-related course work
are expected to satisfy this requirement. In exceptional cases, a
student may take prerequisites concurrently with courses meeting degree
requirements.
On entry, or before graduation, students are required
to have a second-year level of competence in a foreign language. The
language can be indigenous or an administrative language of the Pacific.
It must be a second language and related to the student’s research
interests.
GRE scores, a writing sample, and three letters of
recommendation must be submitted when applying for admission. |