Course Descriptions

HWST 281 - Ho‘Okele I: Hawaiian Astronomy And Weather

• Prerequisite: Placement in ENG 22 or ESL 23, or Instructor consent
• Recommended Prep: HWST 110 and HWST 107. Some knowledge of Hawaiian language and culture.

An introduction to Hawaiian views of astronomy and weather, required as preparation for sailing a double hull canoe in following semester. Repeatable one time. May be taken on a CR/N basis.

3 hrs. lect. per week

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of HWST 281, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian concepts of the cosmos, space, direction, and time and how these concepts compare with Western concepts
• Identify and name the component parts of the star compass used by Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) trained navigators.
• Identify and .name (both Hawaiian and non- Hawaiian names) the four star lines used by contemporary Hawaiian wayfinders.
• Identify and name the stars and constellations that make up the individual star lines.
• Identify the declination of each star and how they relate to significant places in broader Polynesia.
• Critically examine the differences between the Micronesian star compass used by Mau Piailug and the contemporary wayfinding starcompass.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the stories, both traditional and contemporary, that are attached to the stars, constellations and star lines used by wayfinding navigators.
• Identify and explain significance of celestial bodies and atmospheric and oceanic features and conditions used in navigation and weather prediction.
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of non-instrument and instrument-aided navigation and weather.
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the richness of the Hawaiian language in describing geography and navigation, and demonstrate knowledge of how the terminology reflects a Hawaiian world view