Oral History and Life Stories

Subject 131-468 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in history.
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: .
Non Allowed Subjects: .
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Dr Zora Simic
Subject Overview:

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.

Assessment: 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).
Prescribed Texts: .
Recommended Texts:

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Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • 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.
Notes: .
Related Course(s): Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Australian Studies)
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (History)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Australian Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (History)

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