Okinawa-Related Courses at UHM

The following are courses that are available at the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus. Please check the class schedule to see what’s offered for the upcoming semester.

Anthropology

ANTH 487 Okinawa and Its Diaspora

(3 credits) Explores the ties of identity that exist within and between Okinawa and its diasporic populations. Prerequisite: 152 (Alt. years). DH

Language and Culture

JPN 471 Okinawan Language and Culture I

(3 credits) The first of a series of two courses (JPN 471-472) focusing on the language, heritage, and folk culture of Okinawa. Prerequisite: JPN 302 or 308, or consent. DH

JPN 472 Okinawan Language and Culture II

(3 credits) The second of a series of two courses (JPN 471-472) focusing on Okinawan literature, language skills, heritage, and cultural understanding. Prerequisite: JPN 302 or 308 and 471; or consent. DL

Dance

DNCE 306 Okinawan Dance I

(1 credit) Performance and techniques at the introductory level. Prerequisite: upper division standing or consent. DA

Explore the classical and folk dances of Okinawa, a culture that blends Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian influences to create a unique, vibrant art.

Instructor Cheryl Nakasone Penhart studied Okinawan performing arts under National Living Treasure Kin Ryosho, and teaches at her Honolulu studio. Artistic Director of Jimpu Kai USA, she has received many awards and grants for her skill as a performer and teacher.

Students with no prior Okinawan dance experience should enroll in DNCE 306; those with some experience should enroll
in DNCE 406.

DNCE 406 Okinawan Dance II

(1 credit) Performance and techniques at intermediate level. Repeatable up to eight credits. Prerequisite: 306 or consent. DA

Music

MUS 311F Okinawan Music Ensembles I

(1 credit) Performance of literature for groups of various sizes and kinds at introductory level. Repeatable unlimited times. Prerequisite: upper division standing or consent. DA

The classical Okinawan tradition of Uta-Sanshin developed during the flourishing era of the Ryukyu Kingdom as a sovereign state. It is the major repository for Okinawan literary language today. Students will learn to play the sanshin (3-stringed lute) and to sing pieces from the Kunkunshi, the anthology of classical chamber music. Instruction includes etiquette and traditional methods of learning Okinawan performing arts.

MUS 411F Okinawan Music Ensembles II

(1 credit) Performance of literature for ensembles and performing groups of various sizes and kinds. Repeatable unlimited times. Prerequisite: 311 in same section or consent. DA

History

HIST 423 Okinawa

(3 credits) Survey of social, cultural, economic, and political history from earliest times to present. DH

UHM General Education Core and Graduation Requirements

Courses that meet the UH Manoa General Education Core and Graduation requirements are identified with one of the following designations at the end of the course description:
Arts DA
Humanities DH
Literatures DL
Social Sciences DS