Oral History Dissertation workshop 17 October 2013 Dan Branch

Introduction Ethics The interview How to use your material? How to write with oral testimony?

Ethics When undergraduate research involves an element of oral history, use of questionnaires, or other research involving live participants, the supervisor must ensure that the student completes an ethical review form before conducting the research. In cases involving the NHS or acute ethical issues, the supervisor and Director of Undergraduate Studies will consult with the Arts and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee and may need to seek approval from this Committee or from the NHS. In all other cases (the overwhelming majority), we accept that the normal process of supervision is sufficient to serve the purposes of ethical review. In these cases, there is no need for completion of any form. In the very small minority of cases where a form does need to be completed, it must be signed by the student, the supervisor (who will assist in completion of the form), and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. FORMS FROM SUPERVISOR

The interview Production, conservation & reproduction of any historical source shapes how we understand that source – Interview & archives no different Power – Relationship between interviewer & interviewee Practical matters – Time, place, technology Over-preparation

What to do with your material Reflection – On the interview as well as the material (Kedward) What actually happened? Limits of oral history its strength – A study of the act of memory – Rumour (White)

How to write with oral testimony Let the sources speak Bringing the human experience back in