HSOC-236: Transpac Histories & Futures

This interdisciplinary course explores the dynamic interactions, exchanges, and conflicts that have shaped the Pacific world across time and space. Focusing on the interconnectedness of the Americas and Asias, and building upon our situatedness within the Los Angeles region, students will examine the historical, cultural, and social transformations that have resulted from these dynamic cross-cultural encounters. Through a combination of history, literature, art, design, and cultural studies, the course delves into key themes such as migration, trade, colonialism, imperialism, and globalization. This course encourages critical engagement with both historical sources and contemporary cultural expressions, examining the legacies of these movements and exchanges in shaping international perspectives, diasporic communities, and modern geopolitics. By blending diverse disciplinary approaches, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the Pacific as a space of both conflict and cooperation while exploring possibilities for their practice in art and design.