This course explores the power of oral storytelling as a means of self-excavation and community building. It offers students a survey of the history of oral storytelling as well as existing research on the relationship between storytelling and identity/community development. The course also serves as an intensive workshop, wherein students will learn from seasoned, award-winning storytellers in guest lectures; practice the art and craft of oral storytelling in a small group of their peers; and prepare and eventually perform a personal story of their own.