Oral History: A Methodology for Research

        Oral history is a useful method of collecting data to complement written knowledge. With the use of video, tape recorders, and digital recorders, the spoken word can be preserved and provide an additional form of primary documentation. Oral history recordings are an accepted feature of library and archival collections that require unique skill in conducting, as well as preserving and providing access to. Edited versions are occasionally used as tools for teaching at secondary and college levels.

        By the end of the course students will be able to prepare for conducting an oral history in the following ways: by applying background knowledge of proposed interviews through library research; by preparing fair and relevant questions and distinguishing between closed and open questions; by learning how to establish rapport and show sensitivity to the narrative subject by learning about factors affecting the taping process such as advanced age of the interviewee, health handicaps, appropriate sites for the interview, excessive noise, etc. All of thse points and moree will assist students in designing the optimun interview for the situation and to help prepare enexpected circumstances.  Students will hen learn, after conducting a professional interview how to follow clues for dating events mentioned in the testimony.

        Through the process of preparing for, conducting, transcibing and editing an interview students will become aware of the advantages and limitations of oral history as a source in social science research. They will understand the technology associated with oral history.  Students will also understand the proper way to process, and provide access to oral history sources in a library or archival institution.

(Course also listed as HIS 7860, ANT 6360)