Surf Studies in Hawaii

This is the introductory course for the Surf Studies minor/certificate program. Surf Studies in Hawai'i presents surfing as a global cultural phenomenon that has Hawai'i as it place of origin. Students develop skill at analyzing and critiquing key aspects in the growth of surfing culture through the study of diverse cultural perspectives using sources that include books, magazines, film and other aspects of popular culture, as well as interviews with key people in contemporary surf culture. The course is forward-looking with regard to contemporary technological developments (e.g. artificial surfing sites, jet-skis) and the introduction of surfing into the Olympics. Because of Hawaiiʻs centrality to global surf culture, studentsʻ own experiences as surf participants and spectators figure prominently in the course.