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Hawaiian Studies

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Program Description

The Hawaiian Studies Associate in Arts will provide pathways, support, and recognition for students who are pursuing an AA at Honolulu Community College which is a two-year liberal arts degree that provides students with, 1) skills and perspectives fundamental to undertaking higher education; and, 2) a broad exposure to different domains of academic knowledge. This program will also ensure that students will enter a baccalaureate Hawaiian Studies program with the skills and knowledge required to promote success in the Hawaiian Studies major. The AA in Hawaiian Studies has comparable foundation, and diversification requirements to the Honolulu CC AA in Liberal Arts. It includes an expanded set of graduation requirements that, 1) provides students with a foundational introduction to the study of Hawaiian knowledge, cultural understanding, and values through exposure to origins, language, environment, craft, history, politics and culture; and, 2) supports the development and training of students toward the use of Hawaiian based knowledge and methods in the workforce and other areas of inquiry such as science, humanities, the arts, social sciences, and other professional endeavors.

View Program Information in College Catalog [PDF]

Program Student Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate competency in spoken and written Hawaiian language at an intermediate level and show a familiarity with the oral traditions and written literature of Hawaii.
  • Identify elements of the geology and geography of Hawaii and the role of Hawaiian culture in understanding the ‘aina (land/earth).
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the complex cultural, political and social history of Hawaii and its impact on contemporary issues.
  • Recognize, analyze, evaluate and work to solve contemporary economic, political and social problems in Hawaii.
  • Utilize the Hawaiian understanding of ethics, philosophy, religion, and the world view in solving contemporary issues.

Degrees That Can Be Earned

  • Associate in Arts (AA)