What does it mean to engage ethically and meaningfully with Māori and Moana peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand? What are the key foundational principles underpinning communication across such diverse communities? Why is it important to understand the socio-political histories of Māori and Moana peoples in Aotearoa for communication contexts? In COMMS 101, we will reflect on these questions and think deeply about communication in Māori and Pacific Worlds.
Key concepts including positionality, power and privilege will anchor our thinking and allow us to explore how our identity and who we are matters in communication. We will also look at the ways in which tikanga, ethics and te Tiriti o Waitangi shape and influence communication contexts in Aotearoa.
The course is organised in two parts. The first, is focused on building a strong foundational understanding of key concepts including: Positionality, Tikanga, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Research and Ethics and Indigenous Data Sovereignty. The second, uses a case study approach to reflect more deeply on the above concepts: Indigenous Storytelling, Māori and Moana Resistance, Social Justice, Health and Climate Change in the Pacific
This is a required course for all students in the Bachelor of Communication degree programme.