Introduction to Oral History

Catalog description

This course begins with the fundamental question: What is oral history? Some argue it is spoken content. Others say it is the recording or transcript of the documentary record. Students will study successful oral history projects of the past. Oral history methodology will explore questions of memory and bias, legal and ethical issues, and how best to document and preserve people's stories. Students will undertake an oral history project of their own in collaboration with the Oral History Initiative at Duquesne?s Gumberg Library. As a class, we will navigate the best practices in conducting these oral histories, engage in research, and choose a format for dissemination beyond the ultimate goal of depositing the recordings and transcriptions in Duquesne library?s archive. Students are encouraged to present their research and experience outside of the classroom, especially at Duquesne?s Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium.