Cultural Perspectives Papers (2023)

All of our undergraduate qualifications offer a cultural perspectives element to give students skills, confidence and capabilities in understanding their own and other cultures, in order to work and contribute effectively within increasingly diverse local and global contexts. This cultural perspectives element may be a single paper, or it may be a collection of papers. Completing this cultural perspectives element is compulsory.

The cultural perspectives papers are listed here by Division. However, the appropriate paper or papers will depend on which qualification and subjects you are studying. For course planning information, please see a Student Advisor in your Division of study.


On this page


  • Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Music or a Bachelor of Social Sciences you should include any one of: ANTHY102, INTLC101, ANTHY201, ANTHY202, DSIGN252, EDUCA200, ENGLI200, FRNCH225, GEOGY219, HISTY225, INTLC221, INTLC222, LEGAL211, LINGS203 or any MAORI or PACIS coded paper. Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Sciences students may also select ANTHY101 to meet this requirement.

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Communication you should include COMMS202.

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Environmental Planning you should include MAORI102 and GEOGY219.

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Laws or a Bachelor of Laws with Honours your cultural perspectives requirements are included in the papers required for the programme, as specified on the Law subject page.

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Social Work you should include MAORI150 or MAORI222.

  • Division of Education

    If you taking a Bachelor of Education or a Bachelor of Teaching you will need to include TEACH101 or TEEDU201.

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Social Sciences you will need to include EDUCA200.

    If you are taking Te Ara Poutama Toitū Te Reo you can meet this requirement through the TOITU, PUTOI and NGAIO coded papers in your programme.

  • Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours you should include CSMAX270.

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Design you should include DSIGN252.

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours you should include ENGEN370.

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Health you can meet this requirement through any MAORI paper in your programme.

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance you should include MAORI204.

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Science (Technology) you should include CSMAX270 (if studying through the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences) OR SCIEN305 (if studying through the School of Science).

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Communication you should include COMMS202.

  • Division of Management

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Business or a Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours you should include MNMGT202.

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Business Analysis or a Bachelor of Communication Studies you may include any one of the papers listed below.

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Communication you should include COMMS202.

  • Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Social Sciences you can meet this requirement through any MAORI or PACIS paper in your programme.

    If you are taking a Bachelor of Communication you should include COMMS202.

  • 100 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    ANTHY101Exploring Cultures: Introduction to Anthropology15.023A (Hamilton)
    An introduction to sociocultural anthropology and the comparative study of human societies and cultures, in all their various forms. An examination of social, political and economic organisation, beliefs, values and ideologies.
    ANTHY102Exploring Cultures: Aotearoa and the Pacific15.023B (Hamilton)
    Social and cultural change in Aotearoa-New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, with special emphasis on national identities, regional relations and global forces.
    INTLC101International Languages and Cultures15.023B (Hamilton) & 23G (Online)
    This paper introduces students to major world cultures and their languages in a comparative context. Students will gain a critical understanding of culture and diversity through examining the languages and cultures of China, France, Japan, Korea, Spain and Latin America.
    MAORI100Kōkiri: Academic Skills for Indigenous Studies15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Online)
    This paper introduces academic skills that are directly useful for the rest of your university studies but will also provide a foundation for critical thinking and clear communication beyond the university. We focus on academic conventions in relation to Indigenous Studies: understanding the Indigenous and colonial contexts of tert...
    MAORI101Introduction to Conversational Māori for Absolute Beginners15.023A (Hamilton) & 23B (Hamilton)
    For absolute beginner students, this introductory paper to conversational Maori pays particular attention to pronunciation, greetings, and forms of language associated with certain cultural functions, such as mihimihi, as well as tasks such as thanking people, farewelling, communicating personal information, and naming everyday obj...
    MAORI102He Hīnatore ki te Ao Māori: Introducing the Māori World15.023A (Hamilton), 23A (Online), 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Online) & 23G (Online)
    An introduction to the Maori world view, social organisation, cultural concepts, including Maori astronomy, and their relevance in a contemporary society.
    MAORI103Introduction to Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Online)
    This course examines Maori, Pacific and Indigenous peoples' philosophies and relationships with land, language, culture, resources, development and political frameworks within settler-colonial states and Pacific nations and others.
    MAORI111Te Reo Māori: Introductory 115.023A (Hamilton), 23X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
    An introductory paper for students with little or no knowledge of the Maori language which provides basic everyday language such as: greetings, farewells, focusing on family relationships, numbers, time, shopping, talking about a trip and commands.
    MAORI112Te Reo Māori: Introductory 215.023B (Hamilton), 23X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
    This paper extends the language and communication skills developed in MAORI111 to include the language of mealtimes, instructions/commands, expression/idioms, describing clothing and parts of the body, and a variety of Marae protocol.
    MAORI115Te Hā o te Reo: Emergence of the Language15.023X (Online)
    This paper further reinforces students' acquisition of introductory language components taught in MAORI111 and MAORI112, expanding on the fundamentals of Mihimihi, Pepeha and Whakapapa, whilst introducing students to Kingitanga.
    MAORI150Te Tiriti o Waitangi: An Introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi15.023A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton)
    This paper seeks to provide a sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It reviews historical and contemporary interpretations and takes into account the interplay of contextual issues of the time.
    MAORI151Te Raranga Kete: Introduction to Māori Fibre Arts15.023G (Block)
    An introduction to theoretical and practical components of weaving kete. Students learn to weave kete and critically examine traditional techniques, along with modern day applications.
    MAORI157Ngā Mahi a Rehia: An Introduction to Kapa Haka15.023B (Hamilton)
    An introduction to the theoretical and practical components of kapa haka as a means of communication and cultural expression in the Maori world.
    PACIS100Introduction to Pacific Histories, Languages and Cultures15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Secondary School - Unistart)
    This paper introduces students to foundational elements of Pacific Studies, including various histories, languages and cultures and their importance to contemporary societies, surveying a number of Pacific Nations.
    TEACH101Ko te Reo me ngā Tikanga o ngā kura15.023X (Hamilton), 23X (Online) & 23X (Tauranga)
    This paper introduces students to the skills, attitudes and values required of a teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand. It explores professional and ethical requirements for teachers and commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.
  • 200 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    ANTHY201Patriots, Racists, and Foreigners: Ethnicity and Identity in Global Perspective15.023A (Hamilton)
    This paper focuses on ethnicity and related categories of division such as "race" and nation. It explores how these concepts link to identity in different cultures and societies.
    COMMS202Intercultural Perspectives in Communication15.023B (Hamilton)
    This paper examines concepts of intercultural communication where consideration is given to individual and cross cultural values and practice. Communication will be considered through a range of themes including Treaty partnership in Aotearoa, cultural understanding and influences, perceptions and personality, motivation, decision ...
    CSMAX270Cultural Perspectives for Computing and Mathematical Sciences15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
    The paper provides students with an understanding of scientific and culture-specific perspectives on issues in computing and mathematical sciences. Students will learn how these perspectives can be applied in diverse cultural, international, ethical, and professional contexts.
    DSIGN252Cultural Perspectives for Design15.023B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
    The paper provides students with an understanding of culture-specific perspectives on design issues and the ability to apply these in diverse contexts.
    EDUCA200Te Hononga Tangata15.023B (Online)
    This paper prepares students to recognise and understand local and global cultural diversity, and to work competently and confidently in culturally appropriate ways with diverse others in educational contexts.
    ENGLI200Global Fictions15.023A (Hamilton)
    This paper examines literary responses to the contemporary world. We will study international writing that grapples with issues associated with gender, race, technology, terrorism, and climate change.
    GEOGY219Māori Lands and Communities15.023B (Hamilton)
    This paper introduces students to Maori geographical perspectives and examines key events that shape Maori communities and their relationships to land, water and other taonga.
    INTLC221Understanding East Asia15.023B (Hamilton)
    This paper offers a critical examination of historical traditions and contemporary life in East Asia within a global context. This paper is taught in English and is open to all students, including those who have no prior knowledge of Chinese, Japanese or Korean.
    INTLC222Food Practices & Cultural Journeys15.023A (Online)
    Cooking and food is linked intrinsically to history: migration, immigration and colonisation and have all played a part in shaping national and regional identities. Using different media: art, painting, photography and film, we will explore the gastronomical changes and discoveries that have shaped nations.
    LINGS203Language, Society and Culture15.023B (Hamilton)
    This paper explores the relationship between language and culture, particularly in the context of changing Pacific cultures, and relates topics to the main themes of modern linguistics and anthropology.
    MAORI200Mana Wahine15.023B (Hamilton)
    This paper examines foundational aspects of mana wahine scholarship, the impact of colonisation on Maori and Indigenous women, and the resistant spaces negotiated by Maori women including their contributions to decolonisation.
    MAORI202Ngā Iho Matua: Māori Philosophy15.023A (Hamilton)
    This paper examines the philosophical underpinnings of seminal tikanga Maori concepts, and their influence both historically and in contemporary Maori culture.
    MAORI203Decolonising Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples15.023A (Online)
    The paper looks at the detrimental effects that research has historically had on Indigenous peoples and the relatively recent creation of research methodologies by Indigenous peoples to counteract Imperial research, and to empower and decolonise.
    MAORI204Māori and Pacific Health and Wellbeing15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
    This paper looks at health and wellbeing from Maori and Pacific perspectives, including models and frameworks in relation to Health, Sport, Human Performance, and Nursing.
    MAORI210Te Whakahaumanu Reo: Māori and Indigenous Language Revitalisation15.023B (Hamilton)
    This paper will explore the impact of colonisation on indigenous languages and examine a range of current and historic language revitalisation initiatives, with a particular focus on Te Reo Maori.
    MAORI211Te Reo Māori: Intermediate 115.023A (Hamilton), 23X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
    This paper builds on the skills acquired in MAORI112, developing a complexity in language skills required in the communication of detailed travel directions, describing internal and external characteristics of a person and describing objects.
    MAORI212Te Reo Māori: Intermediate 215.023B (Hamilton), 23X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
    This paper builds on the skills acquired in MAORI211, developing further language skills required in Maori for communication about feelings, emotions, and describing the weather.
    MAORI215Te Reo Whaiaro: Expressive Language15.023X (Online)
    This paper further reinforces students' acquisition of introductory language components taught in MAORI211 and MAORI212, expanding on the fundamentals of introductory language form, instruction, expressions of emotion and colloquialisms.
    MAORI222He Ao Hurihuri He Ao Tuakiri: Evolving Māori Culture and Identity15.0No occurrences
    A critical examination of the diverse realities of being Maori in a changing world, highlighting local and global impacts on Maori culture and identity.
    MAORI250Māori Politics15.0No occurrences
    This paper examines Maori and Indigenous politics in a broad sense, from key ideas such as sovereignty, tino rangatiratanga, and autonomy, through to crucial forms of resistance via various political structures including local, Iwi, national and global Indigenous movements.
    MAORI251Raranga Whakairo: Design Elements in Māori Fibre Arts15.0No occurrences
    This paper is a multi-disciplinary focused paper providing students with the opportunity to understand a Maori worldview through the lens of Maori fibre arts praxis. MAORI251 is an introduction to raranga whakairo, the theoretical and practical application of patterns within the weave. Students learn to raranga and critically examine customary/traditional techniques in modern day applications.
    MAORI257Kapa Haka: Noble Dances of the Māori15.0No occurrences
    An examination of the theoretical and practical components of kapa haka as an influential and political phenomena of expression of Aotearoa/New Zealand and its influence on the landscape.
    MNMGT202Intercultural Perspectives on Organisations15.023A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Tauranga), 23VA (Internet National Economics University, Vietnam) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
    This paper provides students with the skills and knowledge to become competent and confident in culturally diverse contexts, locally and globally, and to understand how people behave in culturally diverse organisational contexts. It includes an introduction to matauranga Maori. Learning is cemented through case studies, reflection,...
    PACIS200Pacific Migration, Diaspora and Identity15.023B (Hamilton)
    This paper looks at the various socio-historic influences on migration in the Pacific and the relationship between Indigenous cultures of origin and diasporic cultures and identities formed in countries such as Aotearoa/New Zealand, Australia and the US.
    PACIS201Pacific Texts15.0No occurrences
    This paper explores the diverse written, film, media and online texts of the Pacific region. The main focus is on contemporary texts; these will be contextualised by an examination of traditional Pacific textual forms and the histories of textual production in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
    TEEDU201Te Hononga Tangata Cultural Dimensions of Education15.023B (Hamilton), 23B (Tauranga) & 23X (Online)
    This paper prepares students to recognise and understand local and global cultural diversity, and to work competently and confidently in culturally appropriate ways with diverse others in educational contexts.
  • 300 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    ENGEN370Engineering and the Environment15.023A (Hamilton)
    This paper covers sustainability in engineering design and renewable energy generation through the critical lens of environmental impact assessment, risk and resilience, sustainable infrastructure and development, material and energy flow analysis, emissions, carbon accounting and life cycle analysis.
    MAORI302Mātauranga Māori, Indigenous Knowledges15.023A (Hamilton)
    This paper looks at the influence and forms that Matauranga Maori has had and has taken in various postcolonial formations, including in science and research, education, policy and social reform.
    MAORI303Critical Indigenous Theory15.023B (Hamilton)
    This paper looks at the key theoretical influences, from Marxism to post-structuralism, upon critical Indigenous studies and the most significant writings by those Indigenous scholars who have chosen to engage with critical theory.
    MAORI304Sustainability in Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Contexts15.023A (Hamilton)
    This paper looks at Indigenous epistemological formations of sustainability as one of the most pressing issues for Indigenous peoples particularly in the Pacific, and also as a concept where Indigenous peoples can be prominent in influencing discourses.
    MAORI310Ngā Pepeha, ngā Whakataukī me ngā Kupu Whakaari: Proverbial and Prophetic Sayings15.023A (Hamilton)
    This paper concentrates on examining and analysing proverbial, prophetic and colloquial sayings within Maori culture. Ko te hangaitanga o tenei pepa, he matapaki, he wananga i nga pepeha, whakatauki, huahuatau me nga kupu whakaari a te Maori.
    MAORI311Te Reo Māori: Advanced 115.023A (Hamilton), 23X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
    I tua atu o MAORI212, arotahi ai tenei akoranga ki te whakahohonu, whakawhanui ake i te reo me nga pukenga o te akonga ki te tuhituhi, ki te whakawhitiwhiti korero, ki te whakaatu me te whakamarama i nga kaupapa rereke o nga horopaki o te ao tawhito, te ao hou hoki. This paper builds on the language acquired in MAORI212 further dev...
    MAORI312Te Reo Māori: Advanced 215.023B (Hamilton), 23X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
    I tua atu o MAORI311, ko ta tenei pepa he ata kuhu ki roto i etahi rangahau e hangai nei ki te whaikorero me te karanga, waihoki, ka kuhuna nga kano ahuatanga o te reo tonu, ara te kiwaha, te whakatauki me nga tongikura. I ko atu i enei, ka arohaehaetia nga manukura Maori. This paper builds on the language acquired in MAORI311 broa...
    MAORI316Te Reo Ahurei15.023B (Hamilton)
    This paper is intended for students who have completed Maori language proficiency to intermediate level or higher. The emphasis will be on developing oral and critical skills in the use of the Maori language and English with particular attention on the critical examination and understanding of composition styles, including performa...
    MAORI350Mana Motuhake15.023B (Hamilton)
    A critical analysis investigating tribal reconfigurations of mana motuhake in the 21st century, focusing in particular on economic, environmental, cultural and political development.
    MAORI390Kaupapa Rangahau15.023X (Hamilton)
    A Directed Study is a taught paper that enables suitably qualified undergraduate students to undertake a piece of extended Indigenous Studies research. Students enrolled in this paper work on a focused piece of research under the guidance of academic staff with relevant expertise.
    PACIS300Contemporary Critical Issues in the Pacific15.023A (Hamilton)
    This paper provides an in-depth examination of a number of contemporary critical issues in the Pacific as identified by leading Pacific scholars, writers, artists, auteurs and activists.
    SCIEN305Science and Mātauranga Māori15.023A (Hamilton), 23A (Tauranga), 23C (Hamilton) & 23C (Tauranga)
    This paper will provide science graduates with an understanding of both scientific and Matauranga Maori perspectives on topical issues and the ability to apply these in a Vision Matauranga context.

2023 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 22 March 2024 8:11pm

This page has been reformatted for printing.