Aloha mai kākou! Hawaiʻi is the 8-island chain in the pacific, home to some of the greatest voyagers in the world and to a reviving culture and language today. This course is an introduction to the culture, history, and language of Hawaiʻi.

Students will:
- emphasize unlearning the colonizer’s history and relearning Hawaiʻi’s complex history through the works, experiences, and expertise of Kanaka maoli scholars and activists.
- discuss the history of the language from its outlaw to its revitalization and perpetuation today. We are our ancestor's greatest dreams, and we speak their languages so we will be able to converse when we join them.
- discuss important issues, from the efforts to protect Mauna Kea, to the state of the climate crisis in the islands, to how COVID-19 has uniquely impacted Hawaiʻi.
- artisanally engage in the Hawaiian tradition of lauhala weaving.

The ultimate goal of this course is to gain a basic understanding of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, perpetuate Hawaiian culture, and discuss how Hawaiʻi is still undergoing colonization. The curriculum is designed to bring insight into the Hawaiian perspective and spark critical thinking for conversation about current issues.

Since this is a 2 Unit and Pass/No Pass course, attendance is mandatory with a maximum of two absences (unless otherwise discussed with the instructor), and grades will be based on class participation (discussion and activities), reflections, and other writing/research assignments. Informational articles will occasionally be given for homework and class discussion. A two-page thesis paper will be given at the end of the course.

If you are interested in being a facilitator for this course, please contact us for more information.

First come, first serve (all are welcomed and encouraged to join). Please send a short email (1 or 2 sentences) to jadakuulei@berkeley.edu and stacyc123@berkeley.edu sharing why you would like to take the course.