This seminar examines the historical and cultural entanglements between Hawai’i and the United States, focusing on how colonial expansion, tourism, and popular culture have shaped representations of the islands and their indigenous population. Moving from the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom to contemporary struggles over sovereignty, land, and language revitalization, the course situates Hawai‘i within broader frameworks of settler colonialism, racial formation, and U.S. empire.
Students will analyze literary texts, films, music, political speeches, and visual culture to investigate how Native Hawaiian voices contest dominant narratives produced by tourism industries, state institutions, and Hollywood. Emphasis is placed on indigenous epistemologies, cultural resilience, and the politics of representation. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically assess how stories about Hawai‘i have been constructed, circulated, and challenged.
Please purchase and start reading:
Kaui Hart Hemmings. The Descendants.
Assessment/requirements:
Übung: One short essay and an additional small assignment
Seminar: One short essay, an additional small assignment, and a short term paper (10 pages)
- Kursleiter/in: Iris Aya Laemmerhirt