The Worlds of Oceania and Southeast Asia

This self-paced online mini-course offers 7th grade social studies teachers — or any interested educator — an introduction to the geography, settlement, material cultures and innovations of early Pacific societies.  Each session is designed with preparatory readings, viewings and teachable resources that participants examine prior to watching a 90-minute scholar presentation. Session 1 highlights the history of Oceania, including its economic and trade relations  and the multi-layered effects of colonization on its peoples and history.  Session 2 introduces the ancient kingdoms and empires of Southeast Asia’s vast archipelagos and broad river valleys, using the 3^rd-6^th century Funan kingdom (Mekong Delta) and 7^th-11^th century Srivijaya empire (Sumatra) as case studies.  Session 3 offers a general introduction to Australian archaeology and material culture, addressing major periods in Aboriginal occupation and cultural ingenuity throughout time, from 60,000 years ago to present day.  Each session provides a rich array of classroom-friendly resources for addressing Topic 7.T3 of the MA Social Studies Framework.