@article{Sparkman_Clary_2018, place={Washington DC: American Sociological Association.}, title={A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO INTRODUCING ORAL HISTORIES IN AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE}, url={https://trails.asanet.org/article/view/a-hands-on-approach-to-introducing-oral-histories-in}, abstractNote={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 histories reinvigorates an aging methodology within the modern, digital world and makes these histories accessible to a wider audience (Woodward, 2013). While interviews are a common approach to qualitative research, the power of storytelling via oral histories is a useful and fun resource for the young sociologist’s toolbox. Using oral histories as a teaching tool also allows the students to experience personal and local stories, providing depth and complexity to topics otherwise only discussed throughout the semester (Dillon, 2000). Oral histories are introduced at various points in the semester, followed by an in-class Oral History Workshop (activity), and concluded with a final project where students conduct and analyze their own oral history with narrators (interviewees) of their choosing. The Oral History Association guidelines are used to educate students on the best ethical and research practices (Oral History Association). Students learn the value of this methodology as a research tool, as well as express appreciation and respect for their narrators through this learning experience. Along with learning this new methodology, students should gain a new confidence as sociologists with a sparked qualitative inquiry. The hands-on approach to methodology as undergraduate research and inclusion of collaborative assignments makes this resource a high-impact teaching practice and learning resource (AAC&U). Oral history resources, class usage notes, workshop resources, and PowerPoint presentation are included. }, journal={TRAILS: Teaching Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology}, author={Sparkman, Rachel and Clary, A.}, year={2018}, month={Aug.} }