Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree

Online Course

Future Learn
Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree

What is the course about?

Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree
The course Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree is an online class provided by University of Strathclyde through Future Learn. It may be possible to receive a verified certification or use the course to prepare for a degree.

Learn how to research your family tree and share the results with this online genealogy course.

Course description
  • Discover the basics of genealogy and research your family tree
  • 6 weeks
  • On this online genealogy course, you’ll develop an understanding of basic genealogy techniques and how to communicate your family history. We do not concentrate on a specific country’s records so it should be useful to anyone around the world.
  • We will consider how to effectively find and analyse sources and explore the potential of DNA testing as applied to genealogy. We’ll help you add historical context to your family history and discuss how to record and communicate research findings in a clear fashion. The course is primarily designed for people at beginner to intermediate level.
  • A consideration of the differences between primary, derived primary and secondary sources.
  • An understanding of the importance of knowing who made a document and why and how they were created.
    *A key challenge of genealogy – finding the right person among a number of possible candidates, with ever-changing spellings of surnames – will be considered.
  • Lateral ways to approach research including the FAN/cluster technique and mind mapping.
  • Primary source databases including searching techniques to deal with name change or spelling differences; these include the use of wildcards.
  • An introduction to main source types including civil, church, census and military records to give a sense of the typical type of data these records contain and how to use them.
  • Review the content of major international and selected local and specialised databases and consider ways to evaluate databases.
  • The principles of the Genealogical Proof Standard including how to establish proof and how to evaluate evidence.
  • The use of DNA testing in genealogical research with a focus on autosomal (‘cousin-matching’) and Y-testing techniques.
  • An exploration of secondary and primary sources which provide historic and social context, considering their quality and how to find them.
  • The importance of providing evidence of the sources used in family history research and an exploration of the various systems of referencing in use.
  • A consideration of tools used to store, track and analyse genealogical data; various types of family trees and reports including paper based resources, software programs and online tools.
  • What are the best ways to begin writing a family history?
  • Ways to protect and preserve physical records and digital data.
  • Design a research plan for tracing family history.
  • Apply key techniques used when searching for and analysing genealogical records.
  • Describe the differences between genealogical source types and why they may cause problems for the researcher.
  • Develop an awareness of the use of historic and social context in family history research.
  • Develop an understanding of the ways in which genealogical information can be recorded and communicated.
  • No special knowledge or previous experience of studying is required.
  • This course will be suitable if you:
  • University of Strathclyde
  • The University of Strathclyde is a leading international technological university located in Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, committed to useful learning.

Prerequisites & Facts

Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree

Course Topic

History

University, College, Institution

University of Strathclyde

Course Skill Level

Course Language

English

Place of class

Online, self-paced (see curriculum for more information)

Degree

Certificate

Degree & Cost

Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree

To obtain a verified certificate from Future Learn / University of Strathclyde you have to finish this course or the latest version of it, if there is a new edition. The class may be free of charge, but there could be some cost to receive a verified certificate or to access the learning materials. The specifics of the course may have been changed, please consult the provider to get the latest quotes and news.
University of Strathclyde
Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree
provided by Future Learn

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School: University of Strathclyde
Topic: History