Spring
Semester, 2002
Dr.
Donna M. DeBlasio
MTWTh
10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
TTh
2:00-4:00 p.m. and by appointment
Phone:941-3158,
941-3457
e-mail: dmdeblasio@ysu.edu
History 6970 focuses on the methods of taking, processing, and utilizing oral histories.The interview topic will be workers at the Lordstown General Motors plant. Students will conduct their interviews outside of the normal class period.They are required to schedule interviews and provide their own transportation to the interview site.
Course
Goals:
Students who successfully complete this course will:
§Develop the skills to conduct an oral history interview through participation in actual interviewing, conducting background research, formulation of questions, and critiquing classmate interviews
§Develop an understanding of the nature of oral history, its importance and its use in historical research
To assist in your understanding comprehension of the assigned books, each student is required to prepare two book reviews of books which extensively use oral history methodology in the research.The instructor will provide a list for you to select your books.The object of a book review is to prepare a written assessment of 3-4 typed pages (750-1000) words of the thesis, specific findings, organization and documentation of the books assigned.The first review is due on Tuesday, March 5 and the second is due on Tuesday, April 30. One grade will automatically be deducted from late papers.
Interviews:
Each student is required to submit seven interviews.Students are required to contact the individual, discuss the class project, secure life history information, and set up a time, date, and location for the interview.Interviews, along with all proper documentation, are due on the assigned dates.
Grades:
Final grades are computed from three sources:book reviews, class participation, and oral interviews.Book reviews will be graded on the strength of the overall review (clarity of writing, development of author’s thesis, main arguments, and specific findings).Class participation is based on attendance, active participation in class discussion, and tuning assignments in on time.
Youngstown State University Policy on Incompletes:
Any incomplete not finished within one year (or upon graduation, if that is earlier), will automatically become an “F” on your permanent transcript.
Academic Honesty in Writing Assignments:
Your papers must never us another writer’s words without giving credit.Quoted words should be put in “” marks, and a citation given indicating the source.Failure to give proper credit is PLAGIARISM.Plagiarism constitutes theft and it will not be tolerated.The punishment for plagiarism is either an “F” on the paper and/or an “F” in the course.
Class Schedule:
Jan. 15Introduction and welcome; overview of class and interviews, discussion of
YSU Oral History Program class book and forms
Jan. 17Developing an interview strategy
Readings:Ritchie, Chapters 1-3; Gabin, Chapters 1 & 2
Jan.22Practice Interviews and Student Critiques
Gabin, Chapter 3
Jan.24Visit oral history office in basement of Phelps Hall—meet there at regular
class time
Readings:Ritchie, Chapters 4-5; Gabin, Chapter 4
Feb. 5Practice and Student Critiques
Readings: Ritchie, Chapters 6-7; Gabin, Chapter 5
Feb. 7Guest Speaker: Bret Eynon of America’s Social History Project
Feb. 12Develop final list of interview questions
Reading:Ritchie, Chapter 8
Feb. 19 & 21No class--interviews
Feb. 26 & 28No class—interviews
March 5 Listen to Interviews/Critique; Book review due
March 7Guest Speaker, Linda Borish of Western Michigan University
March 11-17 Spring Break
March 19 & 21No class—interviews
March 26 & 28No class—interviews
April 2 & 4No class—interviews
April 9Class—progress reports
April 16 & 18No class—interviews
April 23 & 25No class—interviews
April 30Class critiques; Book review due
May 2Class meets at the Beat; I will buy first round
All completed interviews due in at this time