OGEN150 - Genealogical Principles
Course Description
Genealogical Principles includes an asynchronous curriculum with graded work over seven weeks:
Week One
Do you understand the significance of sources, information, and evidence? Understand genealogy as a discipline, standards in the field, and the elements studying the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS).
Week Two
What data from frequently-used genealogical sources should you trust? Recognize and analyze conflicting information. Understand how to make connections within families.
Week Three
Work with a published source, understand citations, and correlate information to resolve questions of identity.
Week Four
Begin to understand what it takes to develop a convincing proof argument. Examine a well-cited article that meets all standards.
Week Five
What can you learn from free and paid websites? Discuss an identity problem and its solution with records created by newly freed people after the Civil War. Learn how to transcribe and abstract.
Week Six
Develop research plans and timelines, understand the use of research logs, and evaluate a written report to determine if it meets genealogy standards.
Week Seven
Introduction to DNA and ethnicity. Understand the different DNA testing sites, ethnicity results, types of DNA tests, and ethics surrounding the use of genetic genealogy.
Testimonials
I’m so grateful for this course. The instructors and their assistants provided really helpful guidance, and my fellow students also shared tips along the way. I can’t wait to apply these techniques to my ongoing research.Leslie Plant, Genealogical Principles Course, 2024