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Overview

Surveys key forces of change in the Pacific world, from first human settlement to the nuclear age.

The Pacific Ocean encompasses one-third of the earth’s surface, and more than one-third of humanity lives on its shores and islands. This paper explores the diverse histories of the Pacific by following the movement of people, things and ideas - between islands, with nations on the ocean’s rim and with the wider world. Key themes include maritime explorations, cross-cultural encounters, colonial rule and political, social and environmental change.

About this paper

Paper title An Introduction to Pacific History
Subject History
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2028 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,103.10
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
One 100-level HIST paper or 54 points
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Notes
May not be credited together with HIST 231 taken in 2021 and 2022.
Contact

Associate Professor Frances Steel - frances.steel@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Co-ordinator and Lecturer: Associate Professor Frances Steel

Textbooks
Course materials will be made available electronically.
Course outline

Available via Blackboard.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Information literacy, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

On completion of this paper students will have:

  • Demonstrated a foundational understanding of the historical processes and influences shaping the Pacific region
  • Developed an appreciation of the diversity and range of historical experience of particular cultures and groups of people across the Pacific
  • Demonstrated an ability to evaluate the changing approaches to the construction and writing of Pacific history

Overview

Surveys key forces of change in the Pacific world, from first human settlement to the nuclear age.

The Pacific Ocean encompasses one-third of the earth’s surface, and more than one-third of humanity lives on its shores and islands. This paper explores the diverse histories of the Pacific by following the movement of people, things and ideas - between islands, with nations on the ocean’s rim and with the wider world. Key themes include maritime explorations, cross-cultural encounters, colonial rule and political, social and environmental change.

About this paper

Paper title An Introduction to Pacific History
Subject History
EFTS 0.1500
Points 18 points
Teaching period Not offered in 2027, expected to be offered in 2028 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
One 100-level HIST paper or 54 points
Schedule C
Arts and Music
Notes
May not be credited together with HIST 231 taken in 2021 and 2022.
Contact

Associate Professor Frances Steel: frances.steel@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Co-ordinator and Lecturer: Associate Professor Frances Steel

Textbooks
Course materials will be made available electronically.
Course outline

Available via Aoroa.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Information literacy, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

On completion of this paper students will have:

  • Demonstrated a foundational understanding of the historical processes and influences shaping the Pacific region
  • Developed an appreciation of the diversity and range of historical experience of particular cultures and groups of people across the Pacific
  • Demonstrated an ability to evaluate the changing approaches to the construction and writing of Pacific history
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