Department of Pacific and Asian Studies University of Victoria *NEW COURSE PAAS 262 Introduction to Oceania Spring 2016-17 This course is a study of the peoples of the Pacific Islands through a selection of interesting themes and issues on the Oceania region in the academic literature. What did the concept of "taboo" mean? And how might it be useful today? Did Polynesians live in "a natural society"? Is cannibalism a western myth? Why did wet and dry places have different gods? What is "a shark-that-walks-on- the-land"? What's the real story on sexuality and coming of age in Samoa? Are these "Islands of history" or a global backwater? Why do Polynesians suffer from diabetes? What's up with Chiefs today? Are the "Friendly Islanders" happy?

This course is open to all students in second-year and above or with permission and has no specific prerequistes. It requires study of lectures and readings of ethnographic, historical and indigenous texts that go with weekly lectures and class discussions. Offered only in spring term 2017, this is a rare course that provides students an opportunity to learn about a new area, and to study some unusual themes and topics that have philosophical implications in the Humanities while showing the fun side of this branch of Pacific Studies. Instructor: Dr. Christopher Morgan Time: Monday/ Thursday 1:00-2:20 p.m. Room: CLE A308 CRN: 22385