ʻATENISI INSTITUTE
An institute for critical education in the South Pacific
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Takafalu (archival)
SOCIAL SCIENCE
POL STUD 335 — Strategic Negotiation
The methodology of strategic negotiation is dispassionate and logical; it attempts to disarm conflict and discover the authentic requirements of each contender. From this perspective, the course analyses techniques of mediation and dispute resolution in the context of ethics, culture and economics. Particular attention is paid to resolution mapping, including holistic communication and problem-solving.
PSYCH 318 — Psychology of Sex
The course begins with the role sexual reproduction plays in evolutionary biology and psychology. It next considers the biological agendas of males and females, examining the various ways both plants and animals negotiate the difference. Special attention is paid to the role of stability and emotion in regulating human interaction between the sexes.
PSYCH 320 – Cultural Psychology
The social psychology of diverse cultures around the world, focusing on the ways specific tradition and practise modify mind, self, and emotion. Special attention is paid to the location of meaning in each culture.
SOC 350 – Social Conflict
The role of conflict in the key institutions of democratic societies, including government, law, education, medicine, religion, commerce and the workplace, the media, and sports. The relevance of Georg Simmel’s theory of conflict will be assessed for each institution.
HUMANITIES
E.L. 315 – 20th Century European Theatre
An in-depth analysis of recent U.K. and continental theatre from the viewpoint of narrative, theme, characterisation, and social and political conflict. Special attention is paid to the methodology of theatrical device.
E.L. 402 — Writing Laboratory
Hands-on supervision of written expression in the English language, focusing on clarity, concision, coherence, organization, vocabulary, grammar, and – as the student advances – elegance and captivation.
FREN 200 — Intermediate French
At the intermediate level, students move beyond basic conversation to the reading of elementary vignettes and stories. Special attention is paid to grammar and vocabulary.
NATURAL SCIENCE
ENGR 100 — Principles of Engineering
An introduction to the methodology and challenges of construction. Process is examined through an evaluation of design, team-building, risk management, and ethical concerns. Challenge is studied through an analysis of permanence, sustainability, health, safety, cultural diversity, leadership, and effective communication.
E.S. 405 — Sustainable Development
This course begins by surveying the history of the principle of sustainability in environmental studies and sustainable development as a framework for environmental management in local, national and global contexts. It will explore the current framework for action outlined by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, with particular focus on how they apply to Tonga and the South Pacific.
ARTS
ARCH 100 – Introduction to Architecture
A survey of the techniques of structural design, including materials (e.g., wood, stone, brick, concrete, iron, steel); devices (e.g., truss, dome, vault); and modality (e.g., building, plaza, mall). The course focuses on the synthesis of form, space, and arrangement once materials, devices, and modality have been decided.
ART 105 — European Painting (1470–1910)
A survey of European painting from the 15th to 19th centuries, including Renaissance, baroque, Neoclassical, Romantic, Impressionist, and symbolist art.
MUS 100 — Music Theory
Introduction to the fundamentals of music, focusing on identifying tones and pitches (as well as their rhythm and duration) bass and treble clefs, scales, intervals, key signatures, and harmonic analysis. Using these musical building blocks, students will develop practical skills in keyboard, ear and sight training, voice leading, and harmony construction.