Gender and Sexuality in the Pacific

The course explores the encounters between Oceanic and Western models, values, and embodied experiences of gender and sexuality. The course examines the debates about universalism and relativism, nature and culture, and personhood and identity in understanding the differences between women, men, and transgendered persons. The course takes a historical and contextual approach to examine the transformations of patterns of gender and sexuality in the Pacific through the successive encounters of exploratory voyages, Christian missions, labour trade and plantation development, World War II and militarism, and mobility and the diaspora. Key thematic areas include historic influences on gender and sexuality in the Pacific; historical and contemporary portrayals of gender and sexuality; contemporary debates about women’s influence and participation in church and state; gendered economies, kinship and land; transnational and regional feminisms and human rights; gendered violence; gender, sexuality, health and HIV; and gender and sexual identities. The course integrates readings and performances of literature, drama, and visual media by both Oceanic and foreign authors and artists. Indigenous Pacific Islander approaches to engaging and learning about Oceania are highlighted. The course draws upon the extensive academic expertise at ANU in gender and Pacific studies and is especially suitable for students of anthropology, history, politics, gender, sexuality and culture, Pacific studies, and development studies in both CAP and CASS. It will focus on an examination and comparisons of case studies from countries across Oceania. PASI3002 is essential for anyone seeking to work in the Pacific region and/or with Pacific communities. The course provides a foundational understanding of gender and sexuality in Pacific Island societies, reinforced with culturally specific case studies. It complements and builds on the learning outcomes of PASI2001 and is a key 3000-level course in the Bachelor of Pacific Studies program.