| Class Description | Oral history is a method of documenting recent history through recorded interviews. This course surveys the theory and practice of oral history as a means to supplement the historical record, with an emphasis on the intersection between library science and oral history. Students interested in public history, archives, or simply curious about oral history will enjoy the class.
Students will design and conduct an oral history project from start to finish, based on a theme selected by the instructor. Each student will create a project statement, then select a narrator, prepare, conduct, transcribe, and process an audio recorded interview. Students will apply the methodology we learn in class to their oral history project.
Though students work individually on their oral history project, there are many opportunities for discussion and collaboration. Learning is primarily by doing, with supplemental reading assignments. Guest speakers will enliven our weekly lessons and provide a new perspective on current oral history practice.
The course is organized into five learning modules:
Introduction to Oral History, Weeks 1-3
Planning an Oral History Project, Weeks 4-6
The Interview, Weeks 7-10
After the Interview, Weeks, 11-14
Evaluation, Weeks 15-17
View Syllabus |