Unit Code: APS501

Unit Name: Pacific Cultures and Change

Description: This unit is an introductory course on the Pacific region focusing on the natural environment, culture and societies of the Pacific which comprises the ethno geographic areas of Melanesia, Polynesia and Micronesia. The first part of the unit aims to expand knowledge of the natural environment by focusing on the physical makeup of the region-the main island types-continental and oceanic; the vegetation covers and soil types. The second part refers to the culture and societal structures within these ethno geographical groupings, providing a broad generalized perspective of the traditional cultures with emphasis on the socialization patterns in relation to the political, economic and belief systems. The third part briefly provides an insight into some of the modern developing economies and political systems of some Pacific island states as well as relate their response to regionals, globalization and environmental challenges.

Learning Target Outcomes:

Prerequisite: The student must have completed Fiji Form 7 with a pass above 50% in English or euivalent

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 1