These two-session courses will explore advanced topics in the field of oral history. Courses are open to the general public. Beginners and advanced practitioners are welcome! Tickets are for sale on a first-come, first-served basis with discount codes available for a limited number of current OHMA students and OHMA alumni. Contact sarahdziedzic@gmail.com with any questions.

April 6 & April 7 – 5-8PM
Self Care for Oral Historians: The Dangers of Interviewing and What To Do About Them
instructor: Liz Strong
location: Graduate Student Center Conference Room, 302 Philosophy Hall, Columbia University

REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE NOW!

May 5 & May 12 – 5-8PM
Performed Encounter: Playing the Interview
instructors: Nicki Pombier-Berger & Liza Zapol
location: 509 Knox Hall, 606 W. 122nd Street

REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE NOW!

Full course descriptions

The Therapeutic Uses of Narrative taught by Lauren Taylor (March 4 & 5, 2-5PM)

This workshop will examine the convergences and divergences of oral history and psychotherapy, and explore the meaning of personal narrative in a range of clinical and non-clinical settings. Public and private themes will be considered in a sociocultural context. Participants will learn how narrative may be developed to therapeutic effect, with a focus on intersubjectivity and the use of self, in both oral history and psychotherapy. The workshop will include role play, analysis of audio and video interviews, and case presentations. Participants are encouraged to bring their own case examples for discussion. The workshop will be experiential and interactive.  Participants should be prepared to participate in narrative-based exercises. An environment of openness, with careful consideration of diverse perspectives, experiences, and practices, will support and guide the discussion. Register for this course!

Self Care for Oral Historians: The Dangers of Interviewing and What To Do About Them taught by Liz Strong (April 6 & 7, 5-8PM)

The art of the interview is integral to many disciplines and crafts. During that collaborative exchange, sometimes the interviewer and interviewee will be exposed to the challenges of harrowing memories, uncertain legal situations, or even physical risks. Join this short course to explore how the legal and ethical practices of the oral history field have adapted to such challenges, and contributed to ongoing development of interview methodologies. We will review existing resources on how to prepare yourself, as the interviewer, and also your interviewee for any foreseeable difficulties. We will also learn from each other's experiences, as participants are encouraged to share examples from current or past projects that they would like to workshop with the group. In the first session we will cover the basics of ethics and legal concerns when it comes to conducting oral history interviews. In the second session we will focus specifically on the variety of different challenges that surround interviews about traumatic memories. Participants of all levels of experience are welcome, especially those who conduct interviews and oral history projects within educational environments as students and teachers. Register for this course!

Performed Encounter: Playing the Interview co-taught by Nicki Pombier-Berger and Liza Zapol (May 5 & 12 5-8PM)

This hands-on workshop explores the many possibilities at the intersection of theater and oral history, looking closely at the site of the interview. For those interested in staging oral histories, and for those who want to examine the performative elements of oral history, we will explore how the language of theater can enrich the practice of oral history. We will invite participants to experiment through play, newly considering or considering anew the experience at the core of oral historical practice – what happens in the space of the interview. Register for this course!

Past courses

March 4 & March 5 – 2-5PM
The Therapeutic Use of Narrative
instructor: Lauren Taylor
location: Graduate Student Center Conference Room, 302 Philosophy Hall, Columbia University

Sponsors: This initiative is coordinated by the Columbia Oral History Alumni Association with support from the Oral History Master of Arts (OHMA) and the Interdisciplinary Center for Innovative Theory and Empirics (INCITE).