Critical Social Inquiry 0291 - Oral Hist. Theory/Method

This two-semester research seminar discusses, theorizes, and illuminates the important and very complex process of oral history (the recording of life experiences) for communities alienated from prevailing historical discourses. Oral history allows one to look at history from multiple angles, to acquire "new ways of seeing," and to delineate new epistemologies. We also examine the dynamics of oral history as truth-telling, and its long-standing relationship with social justice initiatives, and the impact oral histories have upon the communities from which they emerge, and society at large. Some of the questions that guide the course include: Who "makes" history? Why have certain individuals been studied while others ignored? How does this shape the production of knowledge, our understanding of the past and the analysis of experience, and thus challenge what Michel Foucault calls a "regime of truth"? How do particular social factors shape historical knowledge? What is individual memory vs. collective memory? And how do the two come together and diverge? How do we represent and document experiences that differ from our own? In this seminar, you will be expected to conduct extensive background historical research, write multiple drafts of papers, share work with your peers, learn interviewing techniques as authorized by the Oral History Association, transcribe, analyze, and code your interviews, and then contextualize them within itself and within their historical framework. The class will also visit neighboring oral history archives. By the end of the spring term, each student is expected to produce an extensive oral history project. In short, you will learn the step-by-step process of understanding and doing of oral history.

Multiple Cultural Perspectives Independent Work Writing and Research As a two-semester course, you will be expected to enroll in both terms (Fall and Spring). No exceptions. A week before the first day of class, each enrolled student will submit a one or two- page research proposal via email to Professor Valentin at wvalentin@hampshire.edu. The proposal should describe the research you would like to undertake, why it is important, and some research questions that guide your inquiry, along with your prior knowledge/research background and ability to assume this yearlong project. Students and the Professor will co-organize a spring semester symposium showcasing the work completed in this course before the campus community. Students are expected to spend at least ten to fifteen hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.