Abstract:
The National University of Samoa (NUS) was established by an Act of Parliament in June 1983 and commenced its activities as an academic institution at the beginning of 1984. It started off with only one program, the University Preparatory Year (UPY) which later came to be called the Foundation Program. There was a gradual build up of programs over the years which started at the certificate and diploma levels and eventually ended up with bachelors programs in arts, commerce, education, science, and nursing after ten plus years.
At the post graduate level the development of a Masters program was not realized until 22 years later under the Centre for Samoan Studies which was established in 1999. The Master of Samoan Studies Program is made up of two parts - a coursework component and a thesis. The coursework portion is made of a multidisciplinary conglomerate of courses organized by existing faculties which include the Arts, Education, Science, and Commerce. In addition there are Samoan Studies courses by the Centre for Samoan Studies. The program has yet to graduate its first Masters degree.
This paper looks at the rationale for the establishment of the Master of Samoan Studies program and the teething problems it has faced since its inception. It also examines issues related to student recruitment and numbers, student funding and fees, staff turnover and other problems related to the university environment. Subsequently it provides perspectives regarding future directions in terms of keeping the program sustainable.
Key words: programme, Samoan studies, courses, degree
At the post graduate level the development of a Masters program was not realized until 22 years later under the Centre for Samoan Studies which was established in 1999. The Master of Samoan Studies Program is made up of two parts - a coursework component and a thesis. The coursework portion is made of a multidisciplinary conglomerate of courses organized by existing faculties which include the Arts, Education, Science, and Commerce. In addition there are Samoan Studies courses by the Centre for Samoan Studies. The program has yet to graduate its first Masters degree.
This paper looks at the rationale for the establishment of the Master of Samoan Studies program and the teething problems it has faced since its inception. It also examines issues related to student recruitment and numbers, student funding and fees, staff turnover and other problems related to the university environment. Subsequently it provides perspectives regarding future directions in terms of keeping the program sustainable.
Key words: programme, Samoan studies, courses, degree