Oceanic Arts and Cultures
Undergraduate ARTS course (advanced level, liberal).
This course surveys the arts and cultures of Oceania, a term used for the geographic space and cultures spanning the Pacific Ocean, giving special attention to indigenous ways of knowing, seeing, creating and transmitting cultural knowledge. We’ll examine historical, traditional and contemporary art forms (both visual and performing) and practices within social, cultural, and global contexts. We’ll also explore the relationship between Oceanic arts and mythology, gods, men and other living beings, the sacred and the ordinary. Students will visit Oceanic art and museum collections online, and view films and digital resources reflecting past and contemporary artmaking processes.
Learning Outcomes
- Locate and identify various Oceanic arts and cultural practices, connecting them to their social, political, and geographic communities.
- Discuss historical, traditional and contemporary Oceanic art forms and practices (both visual and performing) within social, cultural, and global contexts, and related indigenous ways of knowing, seeing, creating and transmitting cultural knowledge.
- Complete a creative or research project on an Oceanic Art or Cultural practice.
Prerequisites: Advanced level reading, research, and writing skills. An introductory level course on arts and culture such as: Humanities Through the Arts, Diversity in the American Arts, Exploring the World of Music, Music Across Cultures, Dance Across World Cultures, Art History or the equivalent.