Program Overview

Critical Pacific Islands and Oceania Studies Certificate of Achievement

Program Overview

The Critical Pacific Islands & Oceania Studies Certificate of Achievement is an 18-20 unit certificate that introduces students to a critical analysis of Pacific peoples and cultures in the U.S. diaspora and beyond. Privileging the voices of native Pacific Islanders, the interdisciplinary curriculum explores historical and contemporary topics such as colonization, militarization, social movements, and immigration, through the use of academic and community-based scholarship. All required courses are University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU)-transferable and meet College of San Mateo General Education (GE) area requirements.

Career Opportunities

• Non-profit organizations
• Teacher
• Athletic coach
• Counselor
• Social services
• Law enforcement
• Public health
• Marine biology
• Oceanography
• Government

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Critically evaluate behavioral, social, and indigenous theories and methodologies used in the study of Pacific Islander communities in relation to their cultural, economic, educational, health, immigration, political, and social conditions.
• Compare and contrast the expression of the ocean aesthetic across Pacific Islander cultural practices including architecture, arts, dance, film, language, literature, music, poetry, sports, and theater.
• Apply critical and analytical skills through problem-solving techniques and study strategies in preparation for educational and career outcomes.
• Demonstrate effective communication through listening, reading, writing, and speaking to strengthen individual, community, and public engagement
• Assess the expression of the ocean across Pacific Islander communities through film, media, digital stories, and cinema in shaping social and cultural issues important to Oceania.

Recommended High School Preparation

• Coursework in History
• Social Science
• Psychology
• Sociology
• English

University Transfer Program

Use Assist to identify lower division major preparation for the California State University and the University of California systems. For independent or out-of-state colleges and universities use their catalogs to locate this information. Transfer Services can assist you to gather this information.

University Transfer Program

• 60–70 transferable units
• California State University
• University of California
• Independent Colleges and Universities

Program Requirements

Requirements

• Required Core Courses: 15-16 units
  • COMM 110: Public Speaking (3 units)
  • ETHN 104: Asian Pacific Islanders in United States History and Culture (3 units)
  • ETHN 106: Oceania & the Arts (3 units)
  • FILM 100: Introduction to Film (3 units)
  • OR
  • FILM 140: Contemporary World Cinema (4 units)
  • LCTR 240: College and Academic Success (3 units)
• Required Selective Courses: Science Option: select one course (3-4 units)
  • ANTH 125: Biological Anthropology (3 units)
  • ASTR 100: Introduction to Astronomy (3 units)
  • ASTR 115: The Solar System (3 units)
  • ASTR 125: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (3 units)
  • BIOL 100: Introduction to the Life Sciences (3 units)
  • BIOL 110: General Principles of Biology (4 units)
  • GEOG 100: Physical Geography (3 units)
  • GEOL 100: Survey of Geology (3 units)
  • OCEN 100: Oceanography (3 units)

Total Required Units: 18 - 20