Creighton’s English department is striving to bring more diversity to campus next semester with a new English course on Hawaiian literature.

Dr. Nina Ha of the English Department will teach the course, which will be based on Hawaiian writers and will provide an introduction into the culture and peoples of Hawaii.

“Through studying and reading literature from talented writers and artists from Hawaii, students will gain a better understanding of the heritage of Hawaii,” Ha said.

The idea for such a course came from an observation she made in all her classes that there is always at least one student from Hawaii.

She decided to offer this course for them and for others that also might be interested.

“I want to teach a class that promotes the diversity of Creighton,” Ha said.

Throughout the course, students will study well-known, contemporary Hawaiian authors, including Haunani-Kay Trask, Cathy Song, Lois-Ann Yamanaka and Zamora Linmark.

Along with reading the literary works of these authors, Dr. Ha plans to expose students to historical, sociological and literary works that bring forth a deeper understanding of the Hawaiian people.

“I’d recommend this class. It’s a class that is going to have a lot of meaning to those who have personal ties; and for those who do not, hopefully they will gain a better understanding and walk out of the class with a different perspective,” said Shara Mahoe, an Arts & Sciences senior from Hawaii.

Those interested in taking this course next semester can still register online.

The course is being offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.

The course also fulfills a certified writing requirement.