NAIS 31
Ethnic Studies: Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Experiences


Course Description

This Ethnic Studies course examines Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander experiences in the context of Native American and Indigenous Studies. Students will learn core concepts in the study of indigeneity, colonialism, and indigenous sovereignty. Special attention will be paid to the intersections of race and racism as it relates to class, gender, sexuality, religion, spirituality, national origin, and sovereignty. The class has a focus on Hawai'i, Guam, American S?moa, and the Marshall Islands which are presently under U.S. colonial rule. Additionally, students will engage with the struggles and solidarity movements of Pacific Islanders in their homelands and in the diaspora. The course broadly covers the regions of Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia; it contextualizes the histories and experiences of the Pacific in conversation with Native American, Latinx, Asian American, and African American scholarship, experiences, and resistance.

Class Details

CRN Course Section Days Times Instructor Loc
27905 NAIS 31 02V M······ 11:30 AM-01:20 PM David Palaita MCC-10
······· TBA-TBA ONLINE

Class Dates: This class runs from 2026-09-21 to 2026-12-11.
Footnote:
NAIS D031.02V : 9/21 via zoom; the 3 meeting times will be Mondays, 9/28, 10/26, and 11/16, from 11:30 AM - 1:20 PM in-person. The rest of the instructional time will be asynchronous online. HYBRID, meets on-campus and online. Students must have access to a computer, the internet and an individual email address. Most De Anza classes will use the Canvas course management system. We recommend a laptop or desktop computer to successfully complete the course; a tablet or phone may not be adequate for all assignments and tests. Information about Canvas and Online Education Orientation can be found in Canvas on the Student Resources page: https://deanza.instructure.com/courses/3382. The Student Online Resources hub with extensive information and tips can be found at deanza.edu/online-ed/students/remotelearning.

Class Materials

View textbook and/or other materials available at the Bookstore.


Course Details

Units
4 Units
Hours
  • Weekly Lecture Hours: 4
  • Weekly Lab Hours: 0
Formerly
(Formerly ASAM D031.)
Program Status
Program Applicable
Credit
Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method
Pass/Fail Grading

Requisite and Advisory

Advisory
  • ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000H or ESL D005.
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