Geography

 

I.  Physical

         A.  Pacific Ocean

         B.  Islands

                  1.  contrast with continents

                  2.  two basic types

                           a) high volcanic islands

                           b) low coral atolls

 II.  Cultural

         A.  Population

         B.  Terminology 

                  1.  Greek word nesos (islands)

                  2.  French Explorers

                           a) Charles Brosses (1756)

                           b) Dumont dÕUrville (1831)

         C.  Three Areas

                  1.  Polynesia (poly = many)

                           -- similar cultures

                  2.  Melanesia (melos = black)

                           -- cultural diversity

                  3.  Micronesia (micros = small) 

                           -- two main cultures:  high islands & atolls

         D.  ÒDonÕt quite fitÓ

                  1.  New Guinea

                  2.  Fiji (transition area)

                  3.  Polynesian outliers (i.e. Tikopia, Kapingamarangi)