FLF4310

Cultural mapping and oral history: methodologies for community study

Peter Spearritt and Gwenda Davey

8 points
* One two-hour seminar per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives This subject should enable students to carry out field projects both large and small within Australian communities and develop an understanding of the concepts of community and communitas (Victor Turner) as a guide to field research, appreciate both physical and psychological boundaries of community, and develop an understanding of the powers and limitations of oral history as evidence.

Synopsis This subject will enable students to carry out field projects within selected Australian communities, and to acquire skills in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies for community study. Methodologies will include the use of census and related data and the use of Commonwealth and State archives. Students will acquire specific skills in folkloric fieldwork and archiving methods. Fieldwork will require an average of two hours per week.

Assessment Class paper (1000 words): 25%
* Field project (1000 words): 25%
* Research essay/project (5000 words): 50%