FHGEN 112 | Family History Research–Part 2

Course Description

Welcome to FHGEN 112: Family History Research—Part 2: Analysis of Research Evidence. This course is an introduction and continuation of basic genealogical research principles. A primary goal is to help you learn, think, and act like a professional genealogist. You will practice the research process as you solve basic United States research problems. You will learn how to find and cite original sources, research and analyze pedigrees and evidence, record genealogical information using professional standards, use key genealogical sources, and organize family history information.

This course provides solid academic content to develop practical research skills. In conjunction with the other courses in this program, prepares you to apply for a professional genealogy credential through ICAPGen or BCG. 

Please note that this course does not teach you basic computer skills, rather it is assumed that you are already quite familiar with using a computer. If you need to develop or refresh your computer skills, you are welcome to study the Computer Basics tutorial series from GCFLearnFree.org.

The words Certified Genealogist are a registered certification mark, and the designations CG, CGL and Certified Genealogical Lecturer are service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists®, used under license by board certificants after periodic evaluation.

The ICAPGenSM service mark and the Accredited Genealogist® and AG® registered marks are the sole property of the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists. All Rights Reserved.

Outcomes

As a result of completing this course, you will be able to do the following:

  1. Use the genealogical research process to identify and solve genealogical problems.
  2. Develop an effective research plan using knowledge of the typical contents of advanced U.S. record types.
  3. Gather and use information from advanced records to solve problems.
  4. Analyze findings and document research results according to professional standards.
  5. Record conclusions via proof statements, summaries, or arguments.

Learning Model Architecture

FHGEN 112 follows a weekly cycle of Prepare, Teach One Another, and Ponder & Prove activities.

Prepare:

You will prepare by taking notes as you complete readings and coursework. You will learn how to perform family history research, gather information, and interpret records and censuses.

Teach One Another:

Using a discussion board, you will work with and teach others, and share experiences with the class.

Ponder & Prove:

You will demonstrate your skills by completing interactive activities, assignments, assessments (quizzes), and small research projects.

Prerequisites

FHGEN 111 is a prerequisite for FHGEN 112. You must complete 111 before taking 112.

Required Materials

Course Overview

Course Expectations

Writing Requirements

In this course, you write professional, college-level papers. Focus your papers on the topic and be concise and clear. Rambling is not awarded full credit. Do not “pad” your work with wordy responses. Organize your papers using paragraphs with correct spelling and punctuation.

Personalized help and video lessons are available to students through the BYU-I Writing Center. 

It is your responsibility to understand and follow instructions! If you have a question regarding an assignment, contact your instructor early. Last minute questions may not be answered immediately.

Course Requirements

Grading Policies

Your grade is determined by dividing the number of points you earn by the total number of points possible. To maximize your earned points, put forth a conscientious effort.

Activities

Activities give you the opportunity to practice and perfect your abilities and skills. Activities often contain questions regarding the examination and analysis of documents. Activities are open-book and you can attempt activities three times to help you master the material and improve your score. 

Discussions

Discussion boards provide weekly opportunities to teach one another. They usually begin with individual tasks or assignments and then you share your experiences and findings with the class or a small group. These discussions are meant to benefit you and your classmates.

Assignments 

Assignments allow you to ponder concepts and prove that you understand them. Assignments generally consist of short essays, reports, and research documents submitted to your instructor for grading. 

Timed Assessments

Assessments allow you to ponder concepts and prove that you understand them. Assessments are timed and graded quizzes. You have one attempt. 

Reflections

The reflections allow you to report on your individual family history efforts and the course. Your thorough and honest answers are appreciated.

Exams and Final Project

This course has a comprehensive final exam, comprised of multiple choice and essay questions. It requires you to demonstrate that you understand the skills and processes from the lessons. Exams are open book. However, to succeed you must review and prepare before starting because they are timed. 

In lessons 06–11, you record information about the most commonly used record types and where they are found. You submit this Table of Record Types along with a Research Plan for the Final Project during Lesson 14.

During Lesson 14 you will also submit a final project.

RESOURCES

Online Support Center

If you experience technical difficulties, contact the Online Support Center before contacting your instructor. The Online Support Center helps students with internet and browser issues, I-Learn issues and other technical issues such as installing Microsoft Office. Contact the OSC with technical questions or to provide feedback concerning online courses, instructors, or your online learning experience. 

Copyright

Materials in this BYU-Idaho online course and related sites may be protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code). These materials are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be further disseminated.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

University Policies

Academic honesty is required, see Student Honor Office.

Personal Conduct

All of your instructor or classmate correspondence must be respectful. Writing something disrespectful or “venting” is unprofessional and unbecoming of a university student. Also, it is not in accordance with the Honor Code of BYU-Idaho and is subject to discipline.

Sexual Misconduct

BYU-Idaho prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in its education programs or activities. Prohibited sex discrimination includes incidents of sexual harassment (including sexual violence), dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking (collectively “sexual misconduct”). 

As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment for my students. University policy requires that I report all incidents of sexual misconduct. See, Addressing Sexual Misconduct at BYU-Idaho.

Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities

BYU-Idaho does not discriminate against persons with disabilities in providing its educational and administrative services and programs and follows applicable federal and state law. This policy extends to the University’s electronic and information technologies (EIT).

Students with qualifying disabilities should contact the Disability Services Office at disabilityservices@byui.edu or 208-496-9210. Additional information about Disability Services resources can be found at www.byui.edu/disabilities.

Full Information

For all University Policies, please refer to the University Policies located in the Resources module.