Back in September, as I was browsing the course catalogue for fall quarter, I came across Anthropology 491/591 - Culture, Vulnerability & Disaster Resilience. “Huh,” I thought. “That might be interesting.” This was a major understatement!
The professor, Michele Gamburd, is a nationally recognized authority on the anthropology of disasters. She has spent several years conducting ethnographic research in Sri Lanka, including the aftermath of the catastrophic 2004 tsunami. She is brilliant, unassuming, funny, well-organized, a clear communicator. She welcomed me into her class, and made me feel welcome throughout.
When I talk to other senior auditors about the class, one question comes up: What does anthropology have to do with disasters? Going in, I’d thought of a “disaster” as a physical event. Geology, geography, meteorology - there I could see the connection. But anthropology? For the anthropologist, a disaster is a hazard like an earthquake or a tornado or a wildfire that impacts a vulnerable human population. Throughout the quarter, Professor Gamburd guided us through a multifaceted examination of the interaction between risks of catastrophe and the choices various cultures have made that reduce or heighten those dangers.
For the term project, Professor Gamburd asked the class to devise strategies to enhance the disaster preparedness of the Portland State community. The goal-to produce deliverables for Tiara Halsey, PSU’s Director of Emergency Management, increase participation in PSU’s emergency notification system, and encourage students to take other steps to get ready for the next ice storm, the next heat dome, the next smoke intrusion, and of course - The Big One. Work groups of four or five students focused on particular topics including Build a Kit, Make a Plan, Students With Children, and Building Community.
Having observed this process for ten weeks, I’m beyond impressed with the enrolled students’ level of knowledge, skill and accomplishment. I hope to glean ideas from students’ presentations during finals week and adapt them for PSU’s Senior Auditors. Stay tuned!