Pacific Encounters Part 1: Living Traditions of Oceania

This course covers my travels with camera to Oceanic islands, with emphasis on encounters with islanders in villages and their “living traditions” which are key values, arts and practices that bind islanders together in distinct communities. Islands included in Part 1 are in the Solomons, Vanuatu, Samoa, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Marquesas. Included are ceremonies of communal life, social hierarchy traditions and the arts, including their traditional spiritual roots. Lecture with photos and interactive. Six weeks with one session per week. Part 2 to be offered in Spring 2025.

10/29: The Huli People of the Tari Highlands of Papua New Guinea

11/5: Election Day. No class

11/12: A Journey through Lapita Cultures from the Solomon Islands to New Caledonia

11/19: Voyaging to Remote Outlier Islands at the Edge of Polynesia 

11/26: Encountering Living Traditions on Vanua Levu island, Fiji

12/3: Living Traditions of Fa’a Samoa on Manono Island, Samoa

12/10: A Journey through the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia on the M.S. Aranui