History
| “That the past is ahead, in front of us, is a conception of time that helps us retain our memories and to be aware of its presents. What is behind us [the future] cannot be seen and is liable to be forgotten readily. What is ahead of us [the past] cannot be forgotten so readily or ignored, for it is in front of our minds’ eyes, always reminding us of its presence. The past is alive in us, so in more than a metaphorical sense the dead are alive – we are our history.” ― Epeli Hau’ofa, ‘Pasts to Remember’ in We Are The Ocean: Selected Works (Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 2008), p.67. |
Why study History at USP?
As indicated in this quote by one of USP’s most distinguished professors, historical knowledge is the basis for understanding today’s world. Studying History at USP trains students to develop an inquiring mind by asking probing questions about the past, equipping them with critical and analytical skills to assess evidence effectively.
A History degree teaches you how to work independently, how to make informed and evidence-based decisions and effectively support your argument, and how to write and communicate clearly. USP’s unique regional membership and flexible modes of study provides an opportunity to engage with students from across the Pacific region, gaining skills in teamwork and collaboration.
History is an important discipline within an Arts degree, and in various combined degrees with Law, Science or Commerce. It prepares you for a wide range of careers including education, law, business, politics, or journalism. Many of our graduates apply their research skills in the heritage and cultural sectors (as museum curators, archivists, and librarians), or as employees or consultants for governments, NGOs and inter-governmental organizations (e.g. Ministries of Education, Culture and/or Heritage, Pacific Islands Forum, United Nations).
Our courses explore many different cultures and perspectives in Oceania and beyond, and this knowledge will give you a cultural grounding that you can draw on for the rest of your life.
UNDERGRADUATE History Courses
The History Discipline offers a range of online courses in Pacific and World History. Come speak to us about the flexible study options available and the possible course options as these may change from year to year.
| First year courses | Mode | Offered in: | Prerequisites |
| HY102: 20th Century World History | Online | Semester 1 | None |
| HY101: Pacific Islands Prehistory | Online | Semester 2 | None |
| Second year courses | Mode | Offered in: | Prerequisites |
| HY201: Pacific History: Colonial Worlds to Independence | Online | Semester 1 | HY101 & HY102 |
| HY202: Pacific History: Pre-colonial Power Struggles in Polynesia | Online | Semester 1 | Any 100-level DG, HY, JN, PL, SO, SW, LT, LN or LW course |
| HY206: Modern East Asian History | Online | Semester 2 | HY101 & HY102 |
| HY207: Pacific History: Melanesian Worlds | Blended | Semester 2 | Any 100-level DG, HY, JN, PL, SO, SW, LT, LN or LW course |
| Third year courses | Mode | Offered in: | Prerequisites |
| HY303: Special Topic: USA in Asia Pacific region | Online | Semester 1 | Two 200 Level HY or PL courses |
| HY305: World History: British Empire and Commonwealth | Online | Semester 1 | Two 200 Level HY or PL courses |
| HY302: Special Topic: History of Fiji | Blended | Semester 2 | Two 200 Level HY or PL courses |
| HY304: Pacific History: Protest and Identity | Online | Semester 2 | Two 200 Level HY or PL courses |
POSTGRADUATE History Courses
Are you a history teacher looking to up-skill? Do you require a postgraduate diploma qualification for promotion at work? Do you want to take your first steps into an academic career? Learn the tools of the trade – become an independent historical researcher! Take our Postgraduate Diploma in History – one year full-time study or two years part-time. Special topics are offered each semester, such as Migration and Settlement in the Pacific; Race and Racism; Church history; Travel Writing; and Reading and Viewing the Pacific. There are flexible options available for teachers who are currently working full-time. Assessments can also be tailored so teachers can access and contribute to the creation of resources for senior secondary school history curriculum. Contact us to discuss your options today.
| Fourth year courses | Mode of delivery | Offered in: |
| AL400: Research Methodologies in the Humanities and Social Sciences | Online | Semester 1 |
| HY401: Reading and Viewing in Pacific History | Blended | Semester 1 |
| HY402: Migration and Culture | Blended | Semester 2 |
| HY404: Special Topic | Blended | Semester 2 |
The History team welcomes Masters and Doctoral students for research by thesis. Please see our staff page for staff research interests and supervision specialties. Scholarship opportunities may be available to assist your postgraduate study.
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A Brief History of History at USP:
History was one of the first subjects taught at USP since it was established in 1968, and is part of a global network of Pacific historians including the Pacific History Association, Pacific Manuscripts Bureau and the Journal of Pacific History.Here is a brief timeline below, please let us know if there is more to add to this story! For more information, see Brij V. Lal, Serendipity: Experiences of Pacific Historians (Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, 2024).
1968 – When USP was established, Pacific History was taught within the interdisciplinary School of Social and Economic Development (SSED). Notable staff included Ron Crocombe (Professor of Pacific Studies and student of H.E. Maude), Ahmed Ali (Head of SSED and student of J.W. Davidson), and June Cook.
1975 – Anthony (Tony) Chapelle was USP’s first History PhD graduate for a thesis on “Land and Race in Fiji: The Administration of Sir Everard im Thurn 1904–1910”.
1979 – The Pacific History Association was established and forms a strong link with USP. USP would host its biennial conference for the first time in 1985.
1980s – By this time, History and Politics was co-badged in undergraduate course listings (as “HP”). USP’s second History PhD graduate, Howard van Trease, would later become the Director of University Extension Services. David Routledge was the Head of History/Politics in 1980, and staff included Sean Regan, Bill Powis, Malama Meleisea, John Broadbent, Robbie Robertson, Jacqueline Leckie, William Sutherland and Doug Munro.
1990s – Doug Munro led History/Politics from 1992 to 1997, followed by Stewart Firth from 1998 to 2004. Staff included Roslyn Smyth, Vanessa Griffith, Claire Slatter, Tarcisius Kabutaulaka, Ivan Molloy, Sandra Tarte, Morgan Tuimaleali’ifano, Mark Berger, Douglas A. Borer, Malcolm Jacobi, Robert Nicole, Teresia Teaiwa, Ian Cowman, Jon Fraenkel, Scott MacWilliam and Alumita Durutalo. From the late 1990s until 2002 Grant McCall and Max Quanchi worked with the History department to get Fijian history teachers involved in “Teaching the Pacific Forum” (TTPF).
2000s – In 2007, History and Politics split. Politics joined the Faculty of Business and Economics, while History joined the Faculty of Arts, Law and Education (its new home was in the School of Social Sciences). In 2008 USP hosted the PHA conference again in Suva, with Ian Campbell as conference convenor and Head of History. Max Quanchi joined the History team from 2009 until 2016. Morgan Tuimaleali’ifano became the Head of History, and later Head of School, at a time when History was separated from Politics administratively.
2010s – History courses were converted to online mode by Max Quanchi, Christine Weir, Keri Mills, Kambati Uriam and Ryota Nishino. Max Quanchi and Morgan Tuimaleali’ifano were involved in the History curriculum writing project for Fiji Year 12 and 13 during this time. Nicholas Halter joined in 2016. Visiting lecturers included Harald Werber and Jon Ritchie.
2020s – In the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak, Anurag Subramani, Gary Kieffner and Anawaite Matadradra supported as temporary staff while borders were closed. USP hosted its third PHA conference online in 2021. That same year, a university-wide re-structure removed the faculties, and History became part of the newly-formed School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS). In 2023, Anawaite Matadradra, Dario Di Rosa and Daniel Midena join the History team as Lecturers.
This year – you become part of our history!