A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO INTRODUCING ORAL HISTORIES IN AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE

Abstract

This activity and final project assignment incorporates the interactive understanding of social life with the use of a qualitative methodology not commonly found in today’s sociological research: the oral history. While this resource was used for a Rural Sociology course, it can be adapted to any sociological topic. The introduction and inclusion of oral...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Qualitative Methodology

Resource Type(s):

Assessment, Assignment, Audio, Class Activity, PowerPoint

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

While we utilized this oral history teaching approach in the context of a rural sociology course, students of all course levels and topics can use this resource. Oral histories should be introduced throughout the semester, leading up to the Oral History Workshop (middle semester), and concluding with the final project submission (see timeline). The oral...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will learn how to effectively use an oral history as a research tool, and understand and appreciate the benefits of using an oral history
2. Learn how to conduct an oral history by creating quality questions, taking field notes, and listening to narrators
3. Successfully conduct an oral history and apply findings back to course material

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Introduce oral histories throughout semester; assign activities where students have to listen to a full oral history, analyze the narrator’s content, and articulate the power behind having a narrator’s story told.
2. Students will participate in the Oral History Workshop: lecture with in-class activity. Students will complete the workshop handout that reflects good interview questions, comprehensive field notes, and preliminary conclusions from their interview.
3. Complete a final project that demonstrates the students’ understanding and executing of the oral history material that has been expounded throughout the semester. Students should be able to conduct an oral history appropriately and ethically.