Ethnographic methodology classes
will be conducted in a cultural immersion and homestay experience on
a coral atoll in the Ha'apai region of Tonga. The curriculum includes opportunities
to live with a Tongan family, learn about the language, culture and everyday
life, as well as learning the research skills needed to be a cultural anthropologist.
In addition to group projects, each student will conduct an independent
project negotiated with the professor and the village based 'culture experts'.
Possible projects include: mapping of local history to topographical
features, comparing food intake, weight and height by age and gender,
collecting life histories, learning methods for growing taro, yam and other
cultivars, sea fishing techniques, women's textile production
and handicrafts (especially weaving); collecting local knowledge regarding
the reef, island, stars, social history;
documenting traditional medicines, ceremonial and ritual activities, childrens
games, and many other possibilities.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
Polynesian dancing & singing, faikava, swimming, snorkling, fishing, hiking, horseback
riding, sports (rugby, net ball).
ESTIMATED PROGRAM COST:
$US 3500.00 covers program fees, visa,
shared guest house accommodation (breakfast included, self-catered kitchen),
village homestay (all meals included),
local transportation, language orientation and translation assistance. (Airfare
not included, but a charter is being arranged
through Royal Tongan Airlines).
Majors in Anthropology at University of
Hawai'i may enquire with the department
about the Carol Eastman Scholarship for possible funding assistance (by March
2'04).
Course Schedule (subject to modification):
Week One:
The first week will take place in the town of Pangai, in the Ha'apai
region of Tonga. During this time students will be welcomed and have daily
orientation classes covering:
Introduction to the Ethnographic Field School
Ethnographic ethics
Culture shock
Introduction to Tongan society and culture.
Key phrases in Tongan Language.
Proper behavior & etiquette (i.e. brother-sister
tapu system, dress, romance-related behavior,
respectful and non-respectful ways of behaving within the village, etc.).
Introduction to the village and local
(fishing, farming, handicraft) economy.
Readings: Essential Ethnographic Methods Chpt 4
Readings for the Ha'ano Field School (Young Leslie)
Review of pre-assigned readings:
The Professional Stranger (Agar),Chpt 1- 4.
Persistence of the Gift (Evans), Chapt 1- 5
Weeks Two to Five:
The main part of the field school will take place over 4 weeks on
the separate island known locally as Kauvai. This is a site rarely visited
by foreigners and is considered by the residents to be a bastion of traditional
Tongan culture. Students are advised that the privilege of living in the
village as part of this field school is a unique opportunity, a generous
courtesy extended by the villagers. By accepting this privilege, students
are entering into a particular type of cultural relationship that entails
moral obligations and specific codes of behavior. (These codes will be detailed
for those students accepted into the program). Daily events are structured
around class time, free time and independent project time. A tentative schedule
is included below.
Week Two: Why Do Ethnography?
Readings: Readings for the Ha'ano Field School
The Professional Stranger, Chpt 5
Essential Ethnographic Methods, Chpt 5, 6
Week Three: Interviewing & Recording
Data
Readings : Essential Ethnographic Methods, Chpt
7, 8
The Professional Stranger, Chpt 6
Readings for the Ha'ano Field School
Week Four:
Doing It
Readings: Readings for the Ha'ano Field School
Persistence of the Gift (finish it)
Week Five: Relating your work to other literature,
Wrapping up, Presentations of independent project to the village. The presentations
are an important aspect of the ethnographer's responsibility: to return
the knowledge you have acquired, and provide people with the opportunity
to give you feedback, corrections, their own reflections. Methodologically,
it is an important part of the triangulation process.
Readings: Readings for the Ha'ano Field School
Week Six:
The last week of the field school will take place in the capital of
Nuku'alofa, on the island of Tongatapu. Course related activities include:
Saturday: Travel day
Sunday: Free time
Monday: Study day
Tuesday: Final exam
Wednesday: Presentations to students and/or community at Queen Salote
College and/or Tupou High School.
CLICK
HERE for application
