MALS 191 Oral Histories and Digital Storytelling

Oral Histories and Digital Storytelling introduces students to the field of oral history and explores how digital tools are invigorating its practice. The course will combine critical analysis with project-based learning. We will explore the fundamentals of oral history practice—including the impacts of technology on the gathering, preservation, and distribution of oral histories—and key questions about memory, the hybridization of the field, and more.

 

Central to the course is the creation of oral history projects that integrate digital storytelling techniques. Students will create oral histories while digging into the digital toolbox. Digital storytellers "write" with a larger toolbox than words, adding power and dimension to the stories they tell by combining media, such as text, images, narration, animation, or interactive elements. Digital storytelling projects can include audio stories, podcasts, films and videos, visual journalism, StoryMaps and other place-based projects, social media, websites, and more.

 

In this course, students will sharpen their critical understanding of the digital medium's immediacy and global reach and examine how voices can be amplified in our hyper-connected world. How do we harness digital tools to best preserve and disseminate oral histories? What storytelling choices can we make to best engage audiences? No previous media experience is required. Bring your curiosity and willingness to explore.

Instructor

Harriette Yahr

Distributive and/or World Culture

CW, CS, S I/D