Course description
New Zealand Landscape as Culture: Maunga (Mountains)
In this course, you will learn about New Zealand’s mountains, or 'Maunga', and the cultural identities attached to them. We'll explore the lives of indigenous Māori people who trace their ancestry to their mountain, as well as the European, Pākeha people who identify with mountain culture.
New Zealand was formed on the line where the Pacific Plate dives under the Australian Plate. We will investigate the unique and volatile geology that has created our mountain chain and our large geothermal fields. This geology helped spawn Māori origin narratives as well as European cultural stereotypes such as the 'Southern Man'. Māori refer to their home landscape as 'whenua'. We will take you across the whenua of these islands.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Prerequisites
None.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
What you'll learn
- An indigenous narrative about mountains and place
- The geology and formation of the mountains of New Zealand
- The role of European culture in the colonisation of mountains
- Ways in which mountains are represented in New Zealand art, literature, and national identity
Course delivery details
This course is offered through Victoria University of Wellington, a partner institute of EdX.
2-4 hours per week
Expenses
- Verified Track -$49
- Audit Track - Free