Pacific Encounters Part 2: Living Traditions of Oceania

This course examines cultural travel based on my encounters with camera with peoples of the Pacific. Emphasis is on encounters with “living traditions” which are key values, arts and practices that continue to bind islanders together in distinct communities.

Islands included in Part 2 are the Sepik river region of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Tahiti and Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and and North Island, New Zealand. Emphasis is on village life on remote rural islands. Included are ceremonies of communal life, social hierarchy traditions and Oceanic arts, including their traditional spiritual roots. Lecture with photos and interactive. Part 1 need not be taken before Part 2.  

1: The Iatmul people of the Middle Sepik region of Papua New Guinea

2: Encountering Living Traditions of Fiji

3: Understanding the Kingdom of Tonga

4: Travels in Tahiti and other islands of French Polynesia

5: The Mysteries of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

6: Encountering Maori Culture in North Island, New Zealand

Holding a Ph D (UC Berkeley), John Fleckles has taught history in Hawaii for 40 years; served as VP of Academics at HPU and 25 years as lecturer/guide for Road Scholar/ Elderhostel educational travel across the  South  Pacific from Papua New Guinea to Rapa Nui [Easter Island].