Disasters class offers insight into crisis emotions

In an instructive example of experiential learning, students in the History of Natural Disasters (HIS 385/ENV 385) class found themselves in the midst of a current and evolving case study with the coronavirus pandemic.

“Instead of just reading about history, we felt the need to study how our community is dealing with disaster right now,” says Sarah Frohardt-Lane, assistant professor of history and director of environmental studies. “What have we learned that helps them understand what is happening?”

To collect snapshots of what it’s like for members of the Ripon College community to live through the current crisis, the students conducted an online survey, Life in a Time of Coronavirus. The students read the 240 anonymous entries and looked for themes. They then discussed, reflected upon and analyzed these experiences in light of the historical case studies of natural disasters they had examined in the first half of the semester.

“Traditionally when I offer this course, some of the major themes are the extent to which humans affect what we think of as ‘natural’ disasters. Themes also include the ways that disasters exacerbate inequalities already existing in a society, and the importance of preparation before disaster strikes, rather than only devoting resources afterwards, which is the time that gets all the attention,” Frohardt-Lance says. “Living through this pandemic and reading about others’ experiences provided first-hand accounts that demonstrate the relevance of these themes for understanding the current moment.

“Many students commented upon the fact that after reading the journal entries they felt more of a sense of connection to others who were experiencing similar emotions during a time of isolation.”

Valerie Doornbos ’21 of Allendale, Michigan, adds, “I think the main theme I took away from the entries was that no one is alone in their struggles. People all over the United

States and the world are struggling to cope with this virus. I think the most important thing we can do is to be kind and patient with one another.”

Other students in the course were, from Wisconsin: Will Cooley ’21 of New London, Ivy Hoffman ’22 of Wild Rose, Chloe Jandrt ’23 of New London, Miranda Kraus ’23 of Montello, Marcus Lowthian ’23 of Ripon, Broderick Marks ’20 of Hartford, Hannah Roehl ’20 of Princeton, Theron Schindler ’22 of Lancaster, Allison Slowiak ’22 of Kiel, Kasey Weingart ’22 of Kimberly, Shay Weingart ’21 of Kimberly and Zelina Zimmerman ’20 of Deerfield.

From other locations: Francis Ayson ’22 of Clovis, California; Omari Chenault ’21 of Long Barn, California; Tayah Hiser ’20 of Douglas, Wyoming; Andrew Selfe ’22 of Heath, Ohio; Laryssa Vaclavik ’20 of Portage, Indiana; and Adam White ’20 of Lombard, Illinois.