HIST 451 Fall 2019

In fall 2019, students in HIST 451 Oral History completed two interviews with lesbians who had participated in the women's movement in the 1970s and/or 1980s. Their final assignment was to produce an audio-documentary based on these interviews. This collection includes the two full interviews and the final edited audio-documentary. Below is the course description. 

ORAL HISTORY OF LESBIANS AND THE WOMEN’S MOVEMENT

WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?

In the 1970s lesbians played a major role in the women’s movement, but not everyone welcomed them. Nevertheless, the women’s movement was essential to the formation of a strong and empowered sense of lesbian identity and facilitated the emergence of a vibrant lesbian culture. HIST 451 explores this history.

WHAT WILL WE DO?

• Analyze primary and secondary sources in SFU’s archives and library, and at home

• Explore the nuances of oral history methods

• Interview someone who was active in the women’s movement in the 1970s

• Assist a classmate in recording their interview

• Create a short audio documentary based on your oral interview

• Organize a community forum were we will present our work

• Attend a public oral history event and write a review of it

• Write two additional short papers

HOW WILL I BE GRADED?

This course operates according to the principles of “ungrading.” Briefly, you will evaluate your own accomplishments and progress. See https://www.jessestommel.com/why-i-dontgrade/

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

You’ll learn how to do all of the things listed in the

“What will we do?” section.

WHEN IS THE CLASS AND WHO TEACHES IT?

The class meets Tuesdays from 1:30PM to 5:20PM in AQ 5027. It is taught by Professor Elise Chenier, a queer feminist activist and oral historian, and the founder of the Archives of Lesbian Oral Testimony. She can be reached via our Canvas course page, at echenier@sfu.ca and at 778-782-8573. Her office is AQ 6222.

WHAT BOOKS AND MATERIALS ARE REQUIRED?

You will be required to purchase a course pack from the SFU bookstore. You can avoid this expense by downloading the articles yourself. You will need a device to record with; most laptops and many phones are suitable for this purpose, and the History Department has recording devices you may borrow. You will also need to download Audacity, which is free audio editing software. You can successfully complete this course without having to spend any money on course materials.