History 697T Theories & Methods of Oral History
Spring 2009, Tuesday and Thursday 2:30-3:45
Synopsis:
The purpose of this combined graduate and advanced undergraduate course is to familiarize students with the evolution of scholarship on oral history theory and methods over the past several decades and offer training in oral history practice. The focus of oral history work will be the experience of first and second generation immigrants in the US and what being American meant and means to these individuals. No limitation is placed on the country of origin or the specific US site of destination. Since students undertake oral histories of individuals as part of course requirements, ease of meeting with the narrator will likely orient attention to northeast residents.
During February and early March, assigned readings will draw from a mix of scholarship on oral history theory and methods (including ethical and legal issues) and immigrant history, especially oral histories of immigrants. We will examine the interplay of ethnicity, race, nationality, gender, sexuality and social class in shaping a person’s experience and reflections. Similar categories of analysis will enter discussions of cultural transmission from one generation to another, of changing identities and affiliations, of modes of memory and modes of story telling. We will also examine how the interviewers’ personal experience and values influence interact with the narrators’. A 6-8 page paper based upon this reading will be due in mid-March
By March Spring Break each student will have located a first or second generation immigrant to interview. Students will work in pairs. They will begin research relevant to their interview. During late March a series of training sessions in recording equipment will take place. Since assigned readings will be in the Reserve Book Room (or available via internet), the only purchase that each student will need to make is a digital recorder or equivalent, which generally costs less than $100.
In April and May classes will focus on the interview process, two interviews being required of a single narrator, one to lay the groundwork for the second, more substantive interview. We will discuss practical concerns of the various pairs of interviewers, and additional research related to the narrator’s national origins and reasons for emigrating, whether first or second generation, and locale of residence. Students will deepen their understanding of oral history and immigrant experience and memory by discussing their progress, their discoveries, their difficulties, their rewards. Each student is responsible for transcribing their interview into hard copy. Aid with technology problems will be available throughout this period. The course will culminate with oral presentations, possibly public and in Room 601, of work completed.
Syllabus: Not available
Course Website: Not available
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