Where are they now?
The Essex Sociology
Talking Heads project
The Talking Heads project aims
to track our graduating and alumni students, to record their
stories on leaving Essex, via short videoed interviews,
and to map them ('where in the world?'), ultimately establishing
a global community of peers and friends, having at its heart a
shared experience of Sociology at Essex from 1964 to the present
day...
What will the Talking Heads
project entail?
Simply a short, informal interview (no longer than 15 minutes
total recording time), conducted in one of the ways outlined
below. The interviews will subsequently be edited down to
a ONE MINUTE mini-clip.
We will be in touch in advance by phone (where possible) or
by email, to chat about the process (practicalities / your
concerns etc), and the kind of questions we would like to ask
NB. Although the proposed 'talking heads' will be no longer
than 1 MINUTE, we may transcribe longer sections/quotations,
and/or use longer video excerpts (with your future consent) for
other purposes at a later date.
How/for what purposes will my
interview/video-clip be used?
We are still thinking about this! But for now we anticipate
that the interviews will be made available online, via the
department website, for the following purposes:
-
As one element of our forthcoming employment web pages -
offering our undergraduates discipline-specific support and
advice on transferable skills and career pathways
-
On our prospective students web pages, for recruitment
purposes (of course!), but hopefully making the point that we
are a diverse, interesting and happy bunch, well-taught and
well-supported!
-
As part of a global map of alumni, allowing you to
contact old faces (or new faces with a shared history)
Where/How will filming take
place?
Either
- filming at Essex:
-
In the studio on campus:
not as formal as it sounds and we can add any backdrop so you
won't appear to be sitting in a studio. Advantages: warm,
dry, guaranteed professional results, and we make you a cup of
tea!
-
Another setting on campus:
your choice, subject to our ability to get there and light
requirements etc. Advantages: this option is may feel more
natural (both in the doing and in the watching)
-
GUIDANCE for studio interviews
Or
- filming at your home location:
-
Record yourself:
if you live at a distance and have access to a camcorder, this
option may suit you best. Simply record yourself (maybe with
the help if a friend?) and send us the video file. We can edit
as necessary. We will support you by providing full advice and
guidance on how to set up, questions to address, tips and
tricks, things to avoid etc
-
Video-conference:
if you have access to video-conference facilities, perhaps via
your work (or even webcam), we may be able to set up a
'remote' interview (we would still do the interviewing; you
would simply need to negotiate access to the equipment at your
end, and be available at an agreed time)
-
GUIDANCE for alumni conducting their own, 'remote' interviews
Can I claim for my expenses?
We're really sorry, but we have no budget for your expenses
in taking part in this project. We hope that you will feel it
sufficiently worthwhile in its own right to contribute your time
free, and that it may benefit you in other ways not immediately
obvious at this point (e.g. through networking etc)
What if I don't like the result?
The finished product is yours to approve (or refuse!). We
won't use your videotape and/or transcription, online or for any
other purpose, without your prior consent
What if my circumstances change
and I no longer want my tape to be used?
The same applies. You may withdraw your consent to the use of
your interview (videotape and/or transcription) at any point. If
it is already in use online or elsewhere, it will be withdrawn
as soon as possible.
What is the timescale for the
project?
This is potentially a huge project and there is no timescale
in the sense of finish dates. We also have limited resources in
undertaking it; just our sense that it is very worthwhile, and a
great deal of enthusiasm!
As far as possible, we can be flexible around you. So if you
are interested in being involved at some point, please let us
know which option (Q.3) would suit you best and we'll sort out
the practicalities and provide support and guidance.
Finally - and very important!
Are you in touch with any other alumni from Sociology at
Essex? If so, please direct them to this web page!
We look forward to hearing from you again!
With thanks and our best wishes
Rowena Macaulay
Student Support Services Officer
Sociology Department
University
of Essex,
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO1 3SQ
Tel: 01206 87-3743
Email: rowena (@essex.ac.uk)
Last modified on 06 November 2008