This class examines the significance of gender and sexuality in the Pacific Islands and its diaspora. We begin by exploring how present and historical constructions of gender and sexuality have been deployed throughout colonial projects. In doing so, we also examine the ways in which colonialism creates gendered relations of power. In the second half of the course, we examine various challenges to colonialism from queer and feminist scholars, methods, and sites, highlighting how gender and sexual diversity in the Pacific has been central to Indigenous movements for decolonization.

Please see below for examples of student final projects.