HUMA 499
2027 Spring Break Immersion

What happens when a catastrophe becomes an image?

This spring break field immersion takes that question out of the classroom and into three cities shaped by hurricanes, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

In Miami, a centennial exhibition on the 1926 hurricane and the first films ever made of a disaster show how catastrophe is staged for an audience. In Martinique, you'll climb Mount Pelée, whose 1902 eruption destroyed Saint-Pierre in minutes, and read its ruins alongside the colonial archive. In Mexico City, you'll trace the 1985 earthquake from the seismograph to the street.

That story runs through citizen rescue brigades, a union born in the rubble, and Tlatelolco, where the memories of 1968 and 1985 share the same ground.

Throughout the week, you'll engage with historians, seismologists, volcanologists, emergency responders, curators, photojournalists, and filmmakers.

Together we'll ask who gets to picture a disaster, what those images were made to do, and who is left outside the frame.

🇺🇸Miami, Florida

Begin by exploring the history and visual representation of the 1926 Miami hurricane. Through museum visits, historical imagery, and discussions, consider how disasters become part of public memory and how images shape our understanding of historical events.

🇲🇶Saint-Pierre, Martinique

Explore the history and lasting impact of the 1902 eruption of Mount Pelée. Visit historical sites, museums, and archives; examine the relationship between colonial history and disaster; and participate in a planned guided field excursion on Mount Pelée, subject to safety and weather conditions.

🇲🇽Mexico City, Mexico

Investigate the 1985 earthquake through the perspectives of science, journalism, community organizing, and public memory. Explore how communities responded to catastrophe and how photographs, public spaces, and historical narratives continue to shape its legacy.

Activities and site visits are subject to confirmation and may change.

✦ Engage with local scholars, scientists, artists, and professionals.

✦ Examine historical photographs, films, archives, and disaster memorials.

✦ Explore how communities remember, interpret, and respond to catastrophic events.

✦ Participate in guided academic excursions and field-based learning.

✦ Reflect on ethical questions surrounding photography, representation, and cultural memory.

✦ Collaborate with fellow students on academic projects and discussions.

This field immersion is an integral part of SPAN 328 Gazing at Disaster and provides students with the opportunity to connect classroom learning with firsthand experiences in Miami, Martinique, and Mexico City.

Enrollment in SPAN 328 is required to participate in the immersion. Students must be enrolled in SPAN 328 and remain enrolled in the course in order to be eligible to travel with the program.

Throughout the experience, students will participate in academic site visits, field-based learning, group discussions, and activities that build on the themes explored in SPAN 328.

The academic structure includes HUMA 499 (1 credit for the immersion), taken in conjunction with SPAN 328 (3 credits). Students will participate in pre-departure academic preparation, scheduled field activities, group discussions, and post-travel academic work.

Students should expect an active itinerary, international travel, and full participation in program activities.

This program is open to Rice undergraduate students in good academic and disciplinary standing.

Applicants must be in enrolled and plan to complete the Spring 2027 course: SPAN 328 Gazing at Disaster in order to participate in this field immersion.

This experience is designed for students interested in history, visual culture, disaster studies, environmental issues, social movements, and the ways communities remember and respond to catastrophic events.

We encourage applications from students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, adaptability, maturity, and a willingness to engage respectfully with people and perspectives different from their own.

Prior international travel experience is not required.

Please note: Applications may remain open after the priority deadline if spaces are available.

Complete the online application, including written reflections on your motivation for participating, readiness for international travel, and cultural awareness.

Applicants will also have the opportunity to request consideration for a reduced program commitment fee.

Spots are limited, so apply early! Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, so students are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of securing a spot in the immersion.

Apply Here Now

For questions about applications, program fees, financial assistance, or travel logistics, please contact the Rice Global at globalowls@rice.edu.

For questions about academic content and course requirements, please contact Professor Luis Duno-Gottberg