Covering one third of the earth's surface, the Pacific Ocean is home to hundreds of different island groups and cultures. The diversity of these islands and their peoples has resulted in an astounding array of cultural traditions, languages, art forms and material culture. This lecture course offers an introduction to the arts of Oceania, which includes Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia and Australia. We will consider the initial settlement of the Pacific followed by the Western "discovery" of these islands. Art forms and cultural practices from Polynesia and Micronesia will be considered, followed by Melanesia, and finally Australia. Each section will survey artistic and cultural practices of the material culture of island groups. Thematic considerations will include carving traditions, body ornamentation/wrapping, animal iconography, trade and exchange of objects, warfare, funerary/ mortuary displays, manifestations of power and religious/ritual objects and displays. No prerequisites.