New Zealand and Pacific Studies
IntroductionNew Zealand is a diverse South Pacific nation boasting spectacular natural beauty, a vibrant culture, and an enterprising and friendly people. This is a country that offers many unique opportunities for those wishing to broaden their horizons by studying abroad. The islands that form New Zealand were separated geographically from the rest of the landmasses 80 million years ago and therefore evolved quite separately. They were the last major land mass to be settled by human beings - first by the Mäori about 1,000 years ago, and then by Europeans (Pakeha) in the 19th century. New Zealand's geography, its history and patterns of settlement, its liberal and progressive tradition, and its commitment to bi-culturalism have made it into a social and environmental "laboratory". Today, this country is regarded as a world-leader in many facets of social and political advancement, especially in terms of the relationship between its indigenous Mäori people and its immigrant populations. New Zealand is also a safe country, its unspoiled natural environment providing unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. The New Zealand and Pacific Studies ProgrammeThe New Zealand and Pacific Studies Programme is hosted by the University of Otago's Division of Humanities. It aims to give undergraduate students a sense of what makes New Zealand distinctive as a bi-cultural, and multi-cultural, society with an indigenous population. By participating in field trips students have the opportunity to observe Mäori culture at first hand, to study the distinctive southern landscapes of the Otago region and the nature of human settlement in New Zealand. There are also courses that cover aspects of history and culture in the wider Pacific region. Programme OptionsThe University of Otago offers courses in two teaching semesters. Semester one runs from late February to June. Semester two runs from early July to November. There is also a Summer School programme from early January to mid February. Courses are offered in five broad categories:
The Summer School course, "Aotearoa: The Making of New Zealand", is specifically designed for students coming to New Zealand. It will act as an introduction to New Zealand's environment and society, with a focus on contemporary issues. It includes a five-day field trip based in the coastal and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand. This course can be taken by students prior to commencing their semester one courses. For more information on "Aotearoa: The Making of New Zealand", please go to www.otago.ac.nz/nzpacificstudies/makingofnz
Courses/PapersThe general course categories can help you decide what you wish to study. In New Zealand "courses" are most often called "papers". Usually students take three or four courses/papers during a semester. The flexibility of the programme means you can study your selected New Zealand papers alongside papers for your home country studies. This enables you to advance your studies in Anthropology, English, History, Theatre Studies or any other subject that the University of Otago offers. To ensure you get credit from your home university for papers studied at Otago, you need to discuss your proposed course of study with the appropriate advisors before you arrange your trip to New Zealand. Papers with a coding at 100 level are generally introductory papers. Papers coded 200 and 300 may require the fulfilment of academic prerequisites at your home institution. Papers coded above 300 level are usually postgraduate papers. The following is a sample of the papers that can be undertaken with a particular New Zealand or Pacific focus: SEMESTER ONE.................. 100 LEVEL.................. HIST 104 Modern New Zealand 1914 to the PresentA general survey paper on the evolution of modern New Zealand from the beginning of the First World War until the present day. MAOR 102 Mäori SocietyAn introduction to the theory and practice of Mäori culture and society in traditional and contemporary contexts. MAOR 103 Introduction to Ngäi TahuThis paper is an introduction to Ngäi Tahu (a South Island-based Mäori tribe) society and culture. It pays particular attention to Ngäi Tahu in the Otago region. MAOR 108 Waiata: Te TïmatangaAn introductory study of various forms of waiata (Mäori performing art), including haka, from traditional to contemporary times. A practicum component is also included. MAOR 110 Introduction to Conversational MäoriAn introduction to Mäori language with emphasis on pronunciation, greetings and forms of language in particular cultural contexts.
.................. 200 LEVEL.................. ANTH 204 Pacific and New Zealand ArchaeologyANTH 205 Contemporary Pacific CulturesAn introduction to contemporary cultures in the Pacific region. EDUC 251 Education in New Zealand: Policy and Treaty IssuesThe Treaty (of Waitangi) is New Zealand’s founding document. ENGL 276 Individual and Community in New Zealand LiteratureSome attention may be paid to the Pacific context of New Zealand literature. ENVI 211 Environmental History of New ZealandHistorical overview of environmental impacts and human expectations from first settlement of Aotearoa to the present. FIME 206 New Zealand CinemaA study of New Zealand film with emphasis placed on historical and theoretical approaches. MAOR 207 Nga Korero NeheStudy of Mäori tribal history up to first contact with Pakeha; included are texts in Mäori and English. Forms and issues respecting Mäori historical knowledge are also taught. MUSI 228 Music in Pacific Cultures (Note: may be taught in semester two rather than semester one) POLS 213 New Zealand Foreign PolicyNew Zealand’s relations with major countries, its policy in regions of interest, and its position in respect to contemporary issues in international politics.
.................. 300 LEVEL.................. EDUC 301 History of Education 1An introduction to historical perspectives in education and significant factors that have shaped the establishment, development, maintenance and reform of the New Zealand education system since 1816. HIST 308 New Zealand Society and ReligionA study of the professed and actual religions of New Zealanders and their social impact. MUSI 328 Music in Pacific Cultures - Advanced (Note: May be taught in semester two rather than semester one) PACI 301 Gafa o Tagata PasifikaPacific people’s issues in contemporary contexts with particular reference toNew Zealand. THEA 322 Australian and New Zealand TheatreA comparative study of selected texts from the nineteenth century to the present.
.................. 400 LEVEL.................. LAWS 459 Treaty of WaitangiExamination of issues relating to the Treaty of Waitangi and the common law of Mäori customary rights. LAWS 475 Indigenous People’s Law and PolicyThis course examines the legal framework for indigenous peoples in the international community with primary emphasis on environmental and natural resource conflicts. POLS 412 Treaty PoliticsExamines fundamental and topical Treaty of Waitangi issues. The Treaty is New Zealand’s founding document. SEMESTER TWO.................. 100 LEVEL.................. ENGL 125 New Zealand Literature: Nation and NarrationExplores New Zealand literature in its diverse cultural and creative contexts. MAOR 102 Mäori SocietyAn introduction to the theory and practice of Mäori culture and society in traditional and contemporary contexts. MAOR 108 Waiata: Te TïmatangaAn introductory study of various forms of waiata (Mäori performing art), including haka, from traditional to contemporary times. A practicum component is also included. MAOR 110 Introduction to Conversational MäoriAn introduction to Mäori language with emphasis on pronunciation, greetings and forms of language in particular cultural contexts. PACI 101 Pacific SocietiesAn introduction to Pacific cultures. POLS 102 New Zealand Politics - IntroductionThe study of institutions and processes of the New Zealand political system. Particularly the formal nature of government, political parties and interest groups, the citizen and political participation.
.................. 200 LEVEL.................. ARTH 217 New Zealand Art 1890s-1970sA survey of the history of the visual arts in New Zealand from the 1890s until the 1970s. HIST 224 Anzac and Its Legacy: New Zealand and the First World WarAn intensive study of New Zealanders’ involvement in the First World War both as fighting soldiers and civilians, incorporating Australian, British, North American and European comparative elements. MAOR 204 Te Tiriti o WaitangiThe history and politics of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) in both its historical and contemporary contexts which advance an indigenous position. MAOR 213 Te Mana o Te ReoThe history and development of the Mäori language. Along with its cultural context and consequences, various contemporary issues facing the language will be addressed. THEA 253 Bi-cultural TheatreThis paper examines the theory, history and practice of bi-cultural theatre in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
.................. 300 LEVEL.................. MAOR 304 Te Röpü Whakamana i Te Tiriti - Waitangi TribunalCase studies of Mäori interactions with the Waitangi Tribunal at whänau, hapü, and iwi (family, clan, tribe) level to understand Mäori society, economics and politics. MAOR 307 Te Tükakitanga o Ngä Ao e RuaA study of post-contact indigenous histories of New Zealand and other parts of eastern Polynesia such as the Cook Islands. POLS 309 Comparative Indigenous PoliticsCompares current indigenous issues in New Zealand to situations overseas.Topics include representation, autonomy, treaty settlements and protest. .................. 400 LEVEL.................. LAWS 479 International Environmental LawAn introduction to the principles and sources of international environmental law. Analysis of the aspects of international law relating to the natural environment, and of the tension between trade and environmental protection. POLS 404 Politics and Society (restricted entry numbers)
SUMMER SCHOOLMAOR 110 Introduction to Conversational MäoriAn introduction to Mäori language with emphasis on pronunciation, greetings and forms of language in particular cultural contexts. NZST 101 Aotearoa: The Making of New Zealand (Provisional title, paper is yet to be approved) PACI 102 Pacific DanceA study of Pacific dance. Students will learn three dances from Pacific regions such as the Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga. Note: The list of papers was correct at the time of printing. Please check the University website on www.otago.ac.nz to ensure amendments have not been made in the interim.
Postgraduate StudyThe University of Otago gives researchers access to unique research opportunities. The Division of Humanities has archaeological and fieldwork sites throughout the Pacific, South-East Asia, New Guinea and Antarctica. Beyond the Pacific, researchers are active in Sierra Leone, India and Norway. Within New Zealand, Otago anthropologists, geographers and social scientists have projects based in Fiordland, Stewart Island, Nelson and Otago/Southland. The University has extensive library facilities and one of the foremost historical research libraries in New Zealand, the Hocken Collections. All students in the Division of Humanities admitted to master's and doctoral programmes are provided with desk space, the use of a computer and library access. Funding is available for conference attendance when presenting a paper. The University of Otago welcomes overseas graduates who wish to undertake supervised research or advanced course work. Information on postgraduate study and the scholarship support available for master's and PhD study can be found on the University website: www.otago.ac.nz/study/postgraduate_study.html Student SupportThe University's International Office supports students in many ways, including offering advice about enrolling and accommodation. They run an orientation programme for new students which covers the Otago degree structure, leisure and social activities on campus and information about living in Dunedin. In addition to the International Office, Otago has accommodation advisers to help you find appropriate accommodation, a Student Health and Counselling Service, a Student Learning Centre to support you in your studies, and a Clubs and Societies facility offering all types of sport and recreation options. These are just some of the support services available to you. As an Otago student you also have access to computer labs that are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, as well as Internet access.
Fees and ExpensesFor current Study Abroad Tuition Fees (a maximum of 2 papers is permitted for Summer School) and Estimated Living Costs for One Semester (20 weeks), please go to the Study Abroad page on fees and living costs: http://www.otago.ac.nz/international/study_abroad/fees_living_costs.html How to ApplyTo undertake the New Zealand and Pacific Studies programme you must be admitted as a Study Abroad student. Read about Otago's Study Abroad Programme at www.otago.ac.nz/international/study_abroad/index.html A downloadable application form, application checklist, and application and closing dates are available from: www.otago.ac.nz/international/apply/index.html Attach all the documents listed on the checklist to your application form, send it in and you'll hear from us soon. For More InformationIf you need additional information before applying: If considering postgraduate study check out the website
www.otago.ac.nz/study/postgraduate_study.html For all course and paper options visit the Otago website: www.otago.ac.nz If you would like more information and advice, please contact our Course Advisors: Christine Colbert Luke Morrison
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