Description: The Bachelor of Arts (PNG Studies) is a full-time program. Students usually take units worth forty credit points per semester and take four years to complete the program.

Entry requirement: Minimum “B” in English and “B” grade average in final year 12 examinations.

Program structure

 

 

 

 

Requisites to complete the award: Students are required to gain 300 credit points to be eligible to graduate.

Brief unit descriptions by semester (Please note: some units at levels 3 & 4 have prerequisite and prior learning requirements; some units are elective options – see HOD to confirm that requirements are met)

PG103 Ancient History of South Pacific 8cp
Students explore settlement of the Pacific Islands, particularly Melanesia, through evidence from archaeology, botany, languages, and cultures. They study appearance of Lapita pottery, spread of the sweet potato, and diffusion of Papuan and Austronesian languages. They discuss navigation, migration, such trade systems as the Kula, social structures, rituals, and warfare.

CA121 Communication Skills 8cp
Students in the communications field in PNG must become good communicators both verbally and in writing. In this unit students develop skills in speaking effectively and in writing clear Standard English. Students make short speeches, engage in debates, conduct interviews and participate in group drama in order to improve their skills and confidence in communicating with people. They practise different forms of writing, including news reports, summaries, critical responses and academic essays with attention to succinct sentence construction, verb tenses, spelling and vocabulary.

PG151 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 8cp
People in different locales experience and understand their life-worlds and environment in distinct ways. Cultural anthropology as a scientific discipline studies cultural variation among humans. Culture is hereby broadly understood as a system of shared beliefs, values, knowledge and behaviour by members of a society. These are acquired through socialization of the young. Students are introduced to related cultural concepts and principles including holism and cultural relativism.

PG155 History and Theories of Cultural Anthropology 8cp
Students learn about the history of cultural anthropology through the biographies and ethnographies of some of its most important protagonists who helped to establish the discipline. Classical authors from different schools and their major theoretical contributions will be discussed. The course will enable students to distinguish different theoretical backgrounds and to trace them back to their founders.

IS117 End-User Computing & Word Processing 8cp
This unit provides an introduction to the PC including its structure and place in the home or small office environment. It seeks to develop basic computer literacy and typing skills. Included is an understanding and facility with the use of a graphical user interface. Students are also provided with skills to use an Office suite of software, email, Internet and an intranet. Word Processing is an essential skill in the home and the small office and for student assignment writing. Students are given a comprehensive introduction to the basics of text formatting using word processing software.

RS234 Christian Ethics 8cp
Ethics is a systematic, critical study concerned with the evaluation of human conduct to help male decisions about the future. It is concerned about what is right, fair, just or good; about what we ought to do, not just what is the case or what is most acceptable or expedient. Christian ethics is the critical evaluation of human conduct from a Christian perspective. In this course, students will explore the understanding, sources and importance of ethics in everybody’s personal and professional life.

Year One Semester Two
PG106 Colonial History 8cp
Students investigate the age of European exploration in the Pacific, the introduction of new rules and institutions in Papua New Guinea, and the maintenance of colonial government through its structures and ideologies. For better or worse, Pacific villagers were transformed by new ideas, images, and institutions imported by the colonisers.

PG107 PNG Literature 8cp
Students discuss literacy, readership, authorship, and historical development of PNG literature. They learn how modern poems, short stories, novels, and drama adapt traditional oral myths, legends, and chants. Students learn, in writing and orally, to critique text from different literary theoretical perspectives. They analyse, discuss, evaluate, and synthesise text for themes, style, literary elements, and structure.

PG130 Mathematics for Social Sciences 8cp
This unit is designed for social science students to familiarise students with major mathematical concepts and techniques widely used in the social sciences, accountancy, economics, finance, marketing politics and management. It helps students to apply their knowledge to the solution of problems in these disciplines.

PG131 PNG Politics and Public Administration 8cp
The unit introduces the concepts and theories in politics, administration, and leadership. Students discuss and apply these concepts and theories to Melanesia, particularly Papua New Guinea. Students analyse various public institutions and their administration, functions, roles, problems, and implications for society.

RS244 Social and Ethical Issues 8cp
In this unit, students explore a range of social and ethical issues in Papua New Guinea today. This study includes an in-depth examination of the various contemporary social and ethical issues like abortion, domestic violence, rape, settlements and evictions, etc. Thus, by eliciting Christian insights into the social and ethical questions of the day, the unit will better equip students to contribute to the common good in whatever profession they choose.

Year Two Semester One
PG204 South Pacific Literature 8cp
This course introduces some significant works of contemporary literature, primarily by indigenous Pacific Islanders, including writers from Aotearoa/New Zealand, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga. Students apply their knowledge of PNG literature to the study of other Pacific writings. Students discuss identity, migration, cross–cultural encounters, colonialism, post-colonialism, change, class, and gender

PG205 PNG Legal Studies 8cp
This unit introduces law and legal processes in independent Papua New Guinea. Topics include the nature and classification of law, sources of law, and the national judicial system, legislation and international law, torts law, and natural resources law. Students learn through discussions, lectures, guest lectures, and legal library research.

PG214 Asian Influence in the Pacific 8cp
This unit compares and contrasts the history of selected nations in Asia and the Pacific. Major themes include the impact of European institutions, religions, economies, politics, technologies, communication systems, and structures in the region. Students discuss the growth of globalisation its impacts on independence and autonomy in these regions.

PG252 Interpreting Cultures 8cp
Culture is a system of shared beliefs, values, knowledge and behaviour shared by members of a society that are acquired through learning. Students examine culture as a particular way of life through fieldwork to understand, participate, observe, listen, speak, describe, translate and interpret reactions and criticism from the people described.

IR202 Theories and Concepts of International Relations 8cp
This unit covers the various theories that attempt to explain international relations. These include both positivist and post positivist theories such as Realism, Idealism, Functionalism, Marxist, etc. and how these affect the way relations are conducted between countries. Students will learn the importance of state in the conduct of international relations as most relations are between sovereign states.

Year Two Semester Two
PG208 Contemporary Themes in Literature 8cp
Students develop critical approaches by comparing literature in societies’ transitional periods: inequality and injustice during Europe’s Industrial Revolution versus PNG gender issues, ethnicity, political life, corruption, nepotism, prejudice, growing up, aging, and nation building. Students develop creative writing skills and stage a creative presentation integrating drama, music, dance, poetry and story-telling.

PG209 Introduction to PNG Economy 8cp
The PNG government has challenges and opportunities in managing its economy to sustain development and improve citizens’ quality of life. This unit introduces fundamentals of economy, economic theories and models, government’s role in economic management, and historical development of the PNG economy. Students examine economic conditions of Southern, Momase, Highlands, and New Guinea Islands regions.

PG210 Environmental Development and Ethics 8cp
This unit develops students’ professional and ethical attitudes to workplace activities as they contribute to the nation’s development. The unit introduces environmental science and sustainability in a holistic approach. Students develop appreciation for morals toward developmental issues, such as the environment, ecology, pollution, bribery, commitment, responsibility, accountability, peace, and justice.

PG234 Church History before Colonisation 8cp
This unit involves a study of the early Church as it developed from movement to institution in the first centuries after Christ, with attention to the critical council of Jerusalem, the opening of the Church to the non-Jewish world, Gnostic movements, persecutions, monasticism, and the Desert Fathers and Mothers, the impact of the conversion of Constantine. These historical movements are explored in order to give a better understanding of the churches today and of the age of exploration and colonization that was to follow.

IR203 International Organizations 8cp
This unit introduces international and regional organisations: their history, purposes, objectives, nature, functions, and procedures. Students focus on the United Nations (UN) and its specialised agencies and on regional agencies for the Pacific Islands. Students gain general knowledge of networking of state interests with organisations.

IR204 PNG Foreign Policy 8cp
Students study the development of PNG’s foreign policy since independence to current times. The course outlines the evolution of foreign policy at independence and why there have been changes over the years to cater for the changes in focus of direction in PNG’s relations since then. The study will also discuss PNG’s foreign policies with other countries in the Asia Pacific region and the importance of Australia to PNG.

Year Three Semester One
PG303 Development and Practice 10cp
Sustainable development is critical for communities to improve quality of life. Students explore strategies for the PNG context. They develop skills in strategy development, funding proposals, needs analysis, conflict management, and critical reflection about applications and outcomes as they enter into an agreement with a community to design, initiate, or implement a project

PG304 Comparative History of Indigenous People 10cp
This unit explores different indigenous groups around the world, their location, way of life, and current issues and struggles. It compares and contrasts indigenous groups’ precolonial, colonial, and post-colonial experiences. It focuses on indigenous knowledge and systems that give particular identities to these peoples, indigenous voices, and indigenous rights.

PG305 Post-Colonial English Literature 10cp
The unit surveys Third World writing from Aotearoa/New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. It explores the relationship between history and language in the Pacific. It explores the issues, including colonialism, that prompt authors to write. It discusses acts of subversion from master narrative traditions to post-colonial literary traditions and identities.

PG330 Theories of Development and Change (E) 10cp
Students learn theories of globalisation, development, underdevelopment, and social conflict to assist analysis of development processes, changes, challenges, and relevance to post-colonial states and societies. Students examine state-society power relations: actors, foreign aid, trade, investment, and national and regional development policies. Case studies show local, national, regional and global connections

IR302 International Law and Practice 10cp
This unit explores differences between international and national law. States make bilateral and multilateral treaties, which bind states to prescribed and judicable modes of behaviour. Students discover the roles of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and other courts dealing with human rights, war crimes, and other complex issues.
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Year Three Semester Two
PG307 Issues in Oral History 10cp
This unit surveys aims, methods, and varieties of oral history, particularly related to indigenous people, women, and Holocaust survivors. As students design a field project, interview, record, transcribe, translate, and reflect on oral testimonies, students explore the practice of oral history and such ethical issues as ownership, rights, and privacy for informants.

PG308 Gender Issues1 10cp
This unit explores gender with sensitivity to cultural settings, change and changing roles, and recognition that equal participation of women and men in national development. Students discuss education, identity, careers, and balancing family and profession. Students examine theories, women’s and men’s different ways of knowing and thinking, case studies, and media images.

PG309 Social Policies of Community Development 10cp
Students analyse the implications and impacts of social policies framework. The framework provides an avenue to address the needs of the community to sustain development. Students examine the relationship between community development and social policies in education, health, law and order, and human rights that are aligned to Vision 2050.

IR304 Diplomacy and Negotiation 10cp
This unit explores specific theories in the art of diplomatic tact, skill and negotiations. It focuses on specific methods of strategising, negotiating and leading a delegation to international or regional conferences. Negotiation is the tool of diplomacy and students will develop various skills essential to their work environment and life as a whole.

IR333 Foreign Policy Analysis 10cp
The Foreign Policy Development and Analysis unit explores specific foreign policy theories and examines foreign policies of governments and analyzes their connection to global activities. Students analyze issues relating to international politics, international economics, international business, geopolitical studies, international law, negotiations, international and regional organizations, International and regional security issues, United Nations and its specialized agencies, major Treaties and Conventions and how they interrelate to each other in diplomacy

Year Four Semester One
PG405 Leading a Major Change Project 10cp
This independent research unit draws together students’ experience and knowledge resulting from PNG Studies, Community Development and International Relations. Students learn theories, skills, and values about managing change projects in organisations. Students analyse goals, means, and outcomes in national, regional and global policies and their significance to local and national interests.

PG454 Scientific Report Writing 10cp
This unit reviews modes of producing scientific texts for the social sciences. Theoretically, students discuss different trends in the writing of social investigations and acquire general sensibility for representating ‘others.’ Practically, they produce their own research proposal, structuring content, balancing their own and referenced arguments, and citing and compiling references.

PG458 Globalisation in the Pacific 10cp
This unit begins with the growth of global social, economic and political power through imperial European institutions and control. Students analyse impacts upon Pacific lives vis-à-vis the global community. Themes include beliefs and values; globalisation of business, banking, finances, transport, and communication; population change and mass migration; global warfare; dependency; and national sovereignty.

IR431 International and Regional Security (E) 10cp
The International and Regional Security unit explores specific security issues in the Asia Pacific Region and the international scene. Students should be able to analyse and synthesize issues relating to international politics, international economics, international business, negotiations, geopolitical issues, peace and conflict, international law, international and regional organizations, the UN and its specialized agencies, major treaties and conventions and inter-organizational dynamics of international affairs

IR432 Geopolitics in Asia-Pacific (E) 10cp
Geographical position and space are important to territorial politics among nation-states and other entities. Students discuss global issues, such as climate change, crime, culture, energy, ethnicity, religion, trade, and transportation. Students gain historical understanding of present models, behaviours, and conflicts, and synthesise local and global information to predict outcomes.

Year Four Semester Two
PG407 Film Studies for Development 10cp
Students become critical viewers and makers of film as a medium of communication for development. Students learn about film components: soundtracks, camera shots, movement, editing. Students make their own film, from the basic idea through plot development, characterisation, script writing and drawing, technical description of shots and scenes, costumes, make-up, and props

PG408Community Project Analysis 10cp
Students research theoretical models of development, national development policies and strategies, project planning designs, and community development practices. They analyse and evaluate various project plans and their implementation. In partnership local communities, students conduct case studies of development project and analyse their relevance and effectiveness in improving quality of life.

PG416 Major Research Project 20cp
Students use various research methods and writing skills to advance their own research report, emanating from their PG454 proposal in semester 1. Students critically research, write, review, and reflect, and they meet regularly with a supervisor. The student gives a public presentation and writes a 8,000 to 10,000–word report of publishable standard.

IR403 International Political Economy 10cp
This unit explores different cultural, ecological, legal, political, and social environments for economic relationships. Students gain understanding of fiscal, monetary, and trade policy and practice, including capital accounts and standards of measure. Students learn to assess the impacts of globalisation on states and companies and vice versa.

EXTRA Not being offered in 2012
PG 151 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Peoples in different locales experience and understand their life-worlds in distinct ways. Cultural anthropology scientifically studies cultural variation. Cultures are systems of shared beliefs, values, knowledge, and behaviour. Enculturation is the process by which rules for conduct are acquired, internalised, and transmitted among generations. Students learn about indigenous cultures and social norms. 52

PG155 History and Theories of Cultural Anthropology
Students learn the history of cultural anthropology through biographies and ethnographies of some of its most important protagonists, who helped to establish the discipline. They discuss classical authors from different schools and their major theoretical contributions. The unit enables students to distinguish different theoretical backgrounds and to trace them to their founders. 52

PG230 Integrated Office Applications
Even small office environments require computer skills for internal and external communications and keeping track of personnel, items and records. This unit provides a basic introduction to a number of readily available programs, such as source HTML for Internet presentations, database design, and techniques of image editing for professional publications. 50

PG233 Melanesian Religions
This unit explores traditional religions in the context of anthropological field research. Religions are reviewed as systematic and structured social responses to what is holy, especially in Melanesia and Africa. The unit investigates attitudes of Christian authorities to traditional religions, the historical development of monotheism, and relations between traditional religious thinking and scientific methodology. 54

PG253 Research Methods in Anthropology
The unit explores the nature of participant observation and the necessity of fieldwork. It questions the limits of true observation; how the investigator alters the field of observation; why selection is always distortion; what rights any person might have in representing others’ views; and how the audience for the report influences observation

PG354 Contemporary PNG Ethnographies
This unit is a reading course with a specific focus on social change. Instead of ‘freezing traditions’ at a specific point in time, contemporary anthropological writings attempt to give space to the many factors caused by modernity. Students study how present-day PNG life-worlds are reframed in anthropological discourse. 48

PG403 Creative Writing
Students explore, develop, and demonstrate their literary and creative imagination and develop their confidence to write. Assignments include constant writing projects, readings, and the use of imaginative stimuli: verbal, oral, aural, concrete and abstract. Using different styles (drama, poetry, prose), students write from the particular to the concrete. 48

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