The Online Reflector

By Staci Reafsnyder

Sports Editor

The introduction to experiential studies class held Pirate Palooza, an event informing students of the history of pirates and its effect on popular culture in modern society, Oct. 22 on Smith Mall.

“The [students] floated a lot of different ideas, and decided that pirates are hot right now,” said Experiential Studies Director Dr. Samantha Meigs. “There is actually a lot of very interesting history about things like the economic conditions that first caused piracy to gain in prominence in the 18th century.”

Pirate Palooza featured a number of hands-on activities that helped to make the event entertaining; food that pirates would eat from that time period, along with the experience of trying to recreate a pirate ship, a captain’s quarters and a cell for prisoners. Students even got to experience a scenario of walking the plank.

“To make it more informative, we [had] a type of treasure map system because pirates are into treasure,” sophomore Karilyn Murray said. “[We had] the fun aspects that people actually know, like the plank and pirate ships.”

With informational speeches that the students made from their research, they were able to inform those who came to Smith Mall.

“[We’re] taking information and presenting it in a different way than lecture mode or book mode,” Murray said. “Living history is a really good example of it.”

Meigs said the class had to come up with an interesting yet educational way to inform the students about the history of pirates during the 18th century. She also said experiential studies uses the past to examine the social attitudes of society through time.

Those who came to Pirate Palooza were also able to a little learn about the experiential studies program.
The experiential studies major has been established for a little more than a year, using research and the cycle of inquiry with reflection. Meigs said it uses the similar techniques a museum uses, creating an entertaining yet informational display.