Fall 2025 American Studies BC3470 section 001

Oral History Methods & Praxis in America

ORAL HISTORY METHODS & PR

Call Number 01099
Day, Time & Location View Class Schedule & Location in Vergil
Points 3
Grading Mode Standard
Approvals Required None
Instructor Kimberly Springer
Type SEMINAR
Course Description

This course introduces students to the philosophy, ethics, and practice of oral history with specific emphasis on interview and transcription techniques and the use of oral history in interdisciplinary research and analysis. This course will also include instruction on the archival collection, preservation, description, and digitization of oral history interviews.

Course themes include: 

  • Introduction to Oral History
  • Foundations of Oral History
  • Ethical and Legal Considerations (IRB, vulnerable populations, shared authority)
  • Oral History Best Practices
  • Oral History and Memory
  • Interviewing
  • Transcription and Metadata as Political Acts
  • Oral History as Primary Sources in Research and Writing
  • Community Oral History
  • Oral History as Public History
  • Oral History and Social Justice
  • Oral History Online
  • Oral History and Exhibitions/Programming
Web Site Vergil
Department American Studies @Barnard
Enrollment 6 students (15 max) as of 12:05PM Monday, May 18, 2026
Subject American Studies
Number BC3470
Section 001
Division Barnard College
Section key 20253AMST3470X001