Course Description

Oral history is arguably the oldest form of human history-making and yet it is also a relatively young field of academic study that has often had to struggle for legitimacy. As Linda Shopes writes, oral history can mean everything from "formal, rehearsed accounts of the past presented by culturally sanctioned tradition-bearers; to informal conversations about ‘the old days’ among family members, neighbors, or coworkers; to printed compilations of stories told about past times and present experiences; to recorded interviews with individuals deemed to have an important story to tell," and much more. In most instances, the field of oral history is centered on engaging in deep listening and conversation with living people; on the observation that many individuals and groups have historically been "hidden from history," misrepresented, or otherwise excluded; and a belief that the inclusion of multiple voices and perspectives can help generate a richer, more complex understanding of the past (as well as the present).

In this introductory course we will focus on oral history theory and method, on becoming familiar with critical debates in oral history practice and interpretation, and on putting this knowledge to use in your own projects. To do this we will be reading about the history of the discipline by prominent figures in the field, engaging with the mechanics of carrying out an oral history project, gleaning insights from practitioners who discuss the art of listening and interviewing, seeing how oral history is put into practice by reading case studies, and grappling with some of oral history’s new as well as age old debates. Subjects will include: oral traditions, relationships between memory and history, family storytelling, life-history review (elder history) and identity construction, the politics of oral history method, social uses of oral history, ethical dilemmas, traumatic memory, performing oral history, and oral history in the digital age, among other topics. Over the semester we will explore and discuss important questions and subjects together, with the aim of enabling meaningful learning experiences that help you gain knowledge, as well as critical and practical skills, that stay with you beyond the duration of the course.

Course Expectations

This course requires your full presence. Really being present means coming on time, prepared, and ready to contribute and engage in discussion. Read the assigned texts carefully before class: take notes, write out questions, and mark key passages. Bring appropriate materials and texts to class.

Goal:To utilize oral history theory and methods practiced in class to design and pursue your own oral history project.