What is Oral History and Why Conduct an Oral History Interview?
Oral history is a method of recording historical information by interviewing a person in order to gain firsthand knowledge about past
events from a person who has actually witnessed the event. This assignment will give you an opportunity to explore important events
and historical themes by conduction an in-depth interview. You will not only learn about historical events, but the lives of ordinary people
as well - their experiences, beliefs, and actions.
Since a major limitation of oral history is that people being interviewed might forget dates and sequences of events, oral history interviews do not give a complete account of the events.
Therefore, prior to conducting your interview you must read the appropriate chapter(s) in your textbook in order to familiarize yourself with the history being discussed and are prepared to ask specific questions.
Students are expected to accomplish five tasks with this assignment:
1. briefly summarize the person's young adult life during a specific decade;
2. describe the person's experiences during the time period in question;
3. explore his/her experiences in light of course themes;
4. compare the information given by the interviewee to the material provided in your textbook - American Destiny: Narrative of a Nation; and
5. give your reaction to the person and subject(s) of your oral history interview.