ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

(4^th Quarter Project for Mr. McDonald)

Introduction:

History is often times and appropriately described as ordinary people doing extraordinary things. While looking at written history is very important, the words of people that experience that history are just as significant. Here, you will speak with someone that can provide a personal insight to specific issues in history. In the oral history project, you will have the opportunity to interview someone of your choice, research history, and correctly do an oral history of that person.

Directions (parts of the project):

Finding someone: Find someone to interview (this person can be related to you). Have them fill out the appropriate oral history release forms and paperwork and discuss with them what one major "topic" of the interview might be. (i.e. The sit-in movement in Greensboro)
Research: Type a three page (minimum) paper on that "topic" that you will focus on during the interview using your textbook, one website, and one other written source (correctly cite the information in your paper)

Note: The whole interview does not have to focus on this one specific topic, but you are doing the research on this "main" topic so as to have some background information before you do the interview

Interview: Do the oral history interview with the person you have chosen. It is recommended, but not required, that you record or videotape the interview so that you may have an easier time writing it up. You should ask at least 25 open ended questions using the handout and things we talk about in class for doing oral history interviews

Note: The interview should be both typed and in question and answer format

Reflection: Type a one page (minimum) reflection paper of the discussion, research, and interview. The reflection might focus on the following questions: What did you think of the interview? Were you surprised by any of the answers given? What perspective did the person bring to the topic? Did it "agree" or contradict with the research and class discussions on that topic? Did you think it was an accurate assessment of that time period in history – why or why not? Now that you are finished, what are some questions that you wish you would have asked?

Suggestions:

Please consult the website for both a copy of this assignment and suggestions for doing oral history. Make sure to ask open-ended questions (avoid possible yes or no answers), use appropriate follow-up questions, and enjoy this assignment. This is an interesting way to learn about history.

Grading:

This assignment will count as the full essay grade for fourth quarter. In other words, instead of having a number of essays (as in the first quarter) counting for the 20%, this one assignment will count for the 20% essay grade. With that said, it is important that you complete the project and take the assignment seriously. No late projects will be accepted.

Due Date:

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws