In a world filled with algorithms and “big data”are the stories that express our experiences and values still important? How can we promote the use of narratives when our stories can be used in ways that are neither ethical nor supportive of our vision for change? This class will share ways that oral history and narrative can be used to promote equity and empathy that challenge oppression and racism and can support the creation of stronger communities and a more peaceful world. We will study various forms of storytelling including how oral histories are being used in performance as well as international truth and reconciliation processes.
This class will provide you with skills and insights needed to incorporate oral history and narrative in order to advance justice, build empathy, and move social justice projects forward. Participants will learn about how narrative and oral history methods are being used to build alliances, center marginalized voices and identify real strategies for change. You will learn basic skills needed to do community-based, anti-oppression oral history.
Students will select a project of their own to implement the ideas and skills they will learn about in class.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand oral history and narrative as a way to build community and understanding
Learn about the ways that oral history can create community engagement
Develop an oral history project on campus
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites: Contact Alisa Del Tufo (alisadeltufo@bennington.edu) for registration information.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 2
W 2:10PM - 5:50PM (1st seven weeks)
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: 4000 , Advancement of Public Action , All courses , First Seven Week , Fully In-Person , New Courses , Two Credit , Updates
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