Testimonies of the City

TESTIMONIES: the filmed and spoken record.

 
The presence of the regional film archive and the regional oral history archive at the University of Leicester offers a unique opportunity to engage critically with historical source materials that are often perceived as difficult or of secondary importance.

Against the background of the ongoing discourses about the use of film as historical evidence, this course is designed to arm students with the necessary critical understanding of moving images to be able to engage with them and determine their place and value alongside other historical sources.

The course will also provide students with a thorough practical and theoretical knowledge of all aspects of oral history: oral history interviews as historical sources; how to plan, conduct, and analyse an oral history interview; current uses and interpretations of oral history.

The Media Archive for Central England (MACE) and the East Midlands Oral History Archive (EMOHA) have extensive holdings and a wealth of experience in their fields. For many students of recent history the filmed and spoken record opens intriguing lines of enquiry and investigation. This course will unlock the research potential of the regional collections at the University, and provide a thought provoking and enjoyable look at history through the lens and microphone.