HIST 589 Oral History Theory and Methods

An examination of the theory and practice of oral history and its relationship to the study of the past. Oral history is primary resource information created in an interview setting with a witness to or a participant in a historical event or way of life. Its purpose is to collect and preserve the person's first-hand information and make it available to others. The oral history course will cover the following: oral history and the study of history, oral history and memory, oral history as an interdisciplinary tool, planning and carrying out an oral history project, legal and ethical issues. The course will also provide students with hands-on experience with equipment, interviewing, and the processing and care of interview materials.