The Multiculturalism program focuses on history, political science, nationalism and colonialism. The following are lecture topics for the program. Please note that lectures are dependent on the availability of faculty, and additional topics may be available.

Students will come away with a clearer picture of Hawai'i through our specially planned fieldtrips.

Lecture Topics

Multiculturalism An introduction to multiculturalism and Hawai'i as a case study. Hawai'i: Center of the Pacific An introduction to the unique aspects of the native point of view in Hawai'i and the Pacific. Pre-contact Hawai'i Survey of state and local history from Polynesian chiefdoms to Hawaiian kingdoms. Post-contact Hawai'i Survey of Hawaiian chiefs from 1778 to the present, including genealogy, political function and historical impact. The Overthrow An examination of the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom and the repercussions today as well as contemporary issues and sovereignty. Missionaries An historical overview of the missionaries to Hawai'i and their roles in the shaping of Hawai'i today. The Plantation Experience This lecture introduces the experiences on Hawai'i's sugar plantations, examining women, the family and ethnic relations. East Asians in Hawai'i A survey of the experiences of Chinese, Japanese and Koreans in Hawai'i from the plantation period to the present. Southeast Asians in Hawai'i A survey of the experiences of Filipinos and other Southeast Asians in Hawai'i from the plantation period to the present. Pacific Islander Experience in Hawai'i A survey of the experiences of other Pacific Islanders in Hawai'i and contemporary issues facing these groups. Caucasian Experience in Hawai'i Historical and current views of white ethnic groups in Hawai'i, and their relationship to economic and social development.

Sovereignty Issues An examination of the debate surrounding sovereignty in Hawai'i and the variety of perspectives of different groups. Race, Ethnicity and Class in Hawai'i Historical context and issues affecting social change in ethnic communities in Hawai'i. Hawai'i's Immigration An historical overview of "push and pull factors," the effect of changing economy, and experiences and problems of various ethnic groups. Japanese Experience in Hawai'i This lecture examines the first generation of immigrants from Japan, the role of Japanese in labor, politics and business in Hawai'i, as well as the third generation and perspectives on local identity and culture. Chinese Experience in Hawai'i An ethno-historical and contemporary view of the experiences of the Chinese in Hawai'i, and includes specific roles and contributions as well as a look at immigration and identity. Filipino Experience in Hawai'i Historical and contemporary experiences of Filipinos in Hawai'i with an examination of immigration, traditional culture and values, racism and the plantation experience. Korean Experience in Hawai'i Historical and contemporary experiences, patterns of immigration, plantation conditions, community development and roles in society. Ethnic Identity in Hawai'i Discussion of individual and group problems of identity, identity conflict, culture conflict, and inter-ethnic relations in Hawai'i. Current Issues in Hawai'i A look at contemporary issues facing the islands of Hawai'i and national implications. Land Tenure in Hawai'i Explores the dynamics of change: Indigenous Hawaiian land tenure, Great Mahele and Kuleana Act, ethnic succession of land ownership and the concentration of ownership today.