Program Overview

Capturing Family Histories and Personal Stories

This course is designed to teach individuals how to capture personal histories, whether for a book, podcast, video, or a series of recordings or transcripts. The course is fun and practical, and it covers the necessary skills and equipment to get started.

Course Description

Recording and preserving the memories and personal stories of grandparents, parents, siblings, children, and even friends can be deeply rewarding, and a fun bonding experience for both the interviewer and the interviewee. The course emphasizes the importance of empathy, respect, and care when gathering people's stories, especially when they share more difficult or personal moments.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students will know how to:

• Map out their project
• Get the most out of their interviews
• Use photo albums, journals, and daytimers to jog memories
• Transform raw material into a completed project
• Preserve stories and memories that can be passed down to future generations

Course Details

• Assessment: This course is graded as complete/incomplete based on participation.
• Expected Effort: Expect to spend 2-3 hours per week completing coursework, participating in the online forum, and attending the optional group video chat.
• Technology Requirements: To take this course, students need access to:
  • An email account
  • A computer, laptop, or tablet using Windows or macOS
  • The latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
  • A reliable internet connection
  • A device that can record audio (smartphone, tablet, computer, digital recorder, etc.)
• Course Format: This course is 100% online and instructor-supported. Course work is done independently and at the student's own pace within deadlines set by the instructor. A new module is released each week.

Available Sessions

• Dates: Starting January 27, 2026, to March 23, 2026
• Format: Online
• Tuition: $670

Instructor

• Jennifer Van Evra: A veteran Vancouver journalist and radio/podcast producer.

Related Courses

• Guided Autobiography 2: Mining for Memories (0480)
• Freelance Writing: Introduction (0314)
• Freelance Writing: Interviewing (0315)
• Food and Travel Writing (0316)
• Guided Autobiography 1: Write your Life Story, Two Pages at a Time (0479)