Oral History: Theory and Methods
4-Week Course Starts JUL 13, 2026
Course Description
Whether you're launching a new oral history initiative or strengthening an existing program, this course will give you the knowledge and confidence to do it right. Learn the principles behind oral history, master proven interviewing techniques, and discover best practices for planning, recording, preserving, and providing long-term access to oral history collections.
From preparing interviewees and asking meaningful questions to preserving digital recordings for future generations, you'll leave with practical skills you can immediately apply in libraries, archives, museums, historical societies, and community organizations.
Learning Objectives
- Design and administer an oral history program using established professional standards.
- Plan and conduct engaging, ethical, and well-documented interviews.
- Create high-quality audio and video recordings using current best practices.
- Develop preservation strategies that ensure oral histories remain accessible for future generations.
- Apply practical techniques that can be implemented immediately in libraries, archives, museums, and community history projects.
Total Course Hours: 10 Hours/ 1 CEU
Your Instructor
Jeff Cowick is a library consultant specializing in rare books, oral history, and disaster preparedness. He received a B.F.A. from the College of Santa Fe and an M.L.S. from CUNY Queens College. Jeff has presented at both regional and national conferences on various library and archival-related topics. He is the co-author of the IGI book Planning for a Disaster: Effective Emergency Management in the 21st Century.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the course start and finish?
This course starts on JUL 13, 2026.
It is an asynchronous online course designed to be completed in 4 weeks.
Participants will spend approximately 2.5 hours each week on viewing lectures, answering quizzes and completing discussion, reading, and writing assignments.
It is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.
When is the last day for enrollment?
Enrollment ends on Friday JUL 10, 2026.
Will the instructor be available for feedback and questions?
Absolutely! Your instructor will provide feedback for each assignment and will be available via email or phone for any questions you may have. A discussion forum is also available where participants can post questions.
How long do I have access to the course?
You will have unlimited access for 3 months from the start date of this course.
Will I receive a Certificate of Completion?
1. View all video lectures
2. Answer all quizzes
3. Complete all assignments
When you complete these three items you can expect to receive you certificate within 2 weeks.
I am having trouble enrolling. Help!
We're sorry to hear this. Here are some options:
1. Try enrolling with a different browser or with a different device (laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc.)
2. Request that we send you an invoice. This will be emailed to you and you can pay through the link provided in the invoice. Send us an email at info@preservethis.org.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 14 days and we will give you a full refund.