Telling Stories, Becoming Historians: Two Oral History Projects, Many Outcomes

Christine Eubank will discuss the evolution and status of the US since 1865 and Women in American History course redesign that is currently underway. The redesign in both courses was the incorporation of oral history projects: a thematically focused life history and family generational history project respectively. The addition of the oral history projects has introduced students to research-based modes of historical inquiry, oral history methodologies, and given them the opportunity to “do history” as they reflect on their narrators’ stories within the larger historical context. The incorporation of the oral history modules has increased student engagement, improved outcomes, and moved the needle on retention.