E

Technical - Process of MA Thesis project.

Interviewer and Interviewee participation

Heading

E.1

Preliminary meetings to discuss with Wanda and Jack Keefe the Idea of interviews

There were a few discussions that touched on interview process and Jack’s or Wanda’s request to get some of the stories written down. Some consideration that apart might eventually be section of a family  book that had been proposed over the decades

E.2

Storytelling examples and agreeing on a list

There was a few sessions of sharing stories which led to Jack agreeing to make a draft  list of often told tales or anecdotes – the draft list just had a key word or two and a number

E.3

Recording the List

Jack read to Adhiratha his list adding brief detail – the conversation was tape recorded. The list typed from the tape and shared with Jack

E.4

Then some stories fro m the list were transcribed

Also shared the beginning chapter of a book which jack had been in process of drafting for a few years.

E.5

Beginning chapter of a book

Jack read from a beginning draft chapter of a book “not one of the boys”  he had been planning for some time.

E.5.1

Wanda’s Account of 1956  visit  to Canada

A copy  [jack edited] copy of  Wanda’s description of trip Wanda and her sister Gwen made with 9 children going back to Alberta in 1956 as sample of a family story.

E.6

Time Context for Interviews

Discussed with Wanda and Jack the idea of pursuing the interviews in a rough time sequence [e.g. early life and family,  school, beginning jobs , how met, coming to New York etc.]

E.7

Interviews and transcripts

Interviews were recorded and transcripts sheared with Wanda and Jack for comment on the content or process

E.8

Questions for Follow up

In at least two cases written questions were shared with Wanda and Jack in advance of the interview process

E.9

Share Background Texts

Jack was very interested in the Books Adhiratha was reading as part of the project. He read a good bit and shared some of his comments on the texts

E.10

Presentation to Oral History Class

Adhiratha recorded a presentation of excerpts from beginning Interviews. This was presented to a teaching Oral History class The presentation and class reaction were shared with Wanda and Jack

E.11

Using Video

It was agreed to try video recording some of the interviews

E.12

Sharing the Video and transcripts

At first a small section of the video was shared with Wanda and Jack using he monitor of the camera for playback Then they were provided  one VHS tape the equivalent of the 3 hours of interviews which were video recorded [transcripts had been previously provided for comment]

E.13

Draft Parts of the MA Thesis Project

Draft Parts of the MA Thesis project were shared with Wanda and Jack who also added Pictures and other memorabilia

See also M

Technical -Media Format related

Use of video, Audio tape recording, transcribing, CD mastering etc.

Heading