131-468 Oral History and Life Stories

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in history.

This subject forms an introduction to the history, theory and practice of oral history. Students will discuss the employment of oral evidence, including interviews, in historical research and writing, and should gain experience in interviewing and writing from oral testimony. We also consider the use of life stories, autobiography, memoir and so on as forms of historical evidence and the methodological issues raised when thinking about subjectivity and the self. Students will conduct interviews, which will be used as a basis for their major research essay.

• show an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;

• be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;

• have an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research.

A 1500 word assignment 20% (due early in the semester), a 3500 word research essay based on five interviews 70% (due at the end of semester) and an oral presentation 10% (due at the end of semester).