FHGEN 399

Outcomes

Upon completing this course, students will be able to do the following:

  1. Complete application forms required by both the ICAPGen and BCG credentialing organizations
  2. Complete the required four-generation research project specified by ICAPGen to apply for accreditation
  3. Know how to complete many of the requirements specified by the BCG to apply for certification

Description

Are you ready? Are you ready to begin your application? The purpose of this course is to help you prepare applications for submission to the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) and the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen). For the most part you will complete every one of each organization's application requirements; some of the requirements have been modified to enable you to complete these projects within one semester.

Both credentialing processes test a genealogist's competence in research, analysis, and reporting skills. The accreditation process also tests for an individual's knowledge of sources used when conducting research in a specific geographic area. Successful completion of the application process means that the applicant has proven to be a competent genealogist. An accreditation credential also acknowledges a genealogist's expertise in a specific geographic area. Be aware that for BCG applications you must agree that: "I understand that no material submitted in an initial application may have been reviewed, critiqued, or proofread by another individual." It is therefore recommended that you use different application materials than those developed in this class for your application or pursue the ICAPGen credential for this class. If you do decide to pursue BCG certification, you should consider the work you do in this class as practice but completely separate from your application materials.

Additional note: The AAS in Family History Research, being an Applied Associate's, is very practical in nature. This course may be the most practical of them all. It is the capstone and concluding course for the program. The course's primary objective is to prepare you for certification and accreditation by the official granting institutions. The class is very research intensive and will require at least 9–12 hours a week. This course, in conjunction with the other courses in this program, will help prepare you to apply for a professional genealogy credential through ICAPGen or BCG. This course has been designed to provide you with solid academic content and develop practical research skills which are critical for a professional genealogist across many research settings.

In this course, you will also complete a discussion of the Genealogical Proof Standard. There are 5 standards which the reports will be graded on.

http://bcgcertification.org/?s=Genealogical+Proof+Standards

i. A reasonably exhaustive search

ii. Complete and accurate source citations

iii. Analysis and correlation of the collected information

iv. Resolution of any conflicting evidence

v. A soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusion

Course Outcomes

Upon completing this course, students will be able to do the following:

  1. Complete application forms required by both the ICAPGen and BCG credentialing organizations
  2. Complete the required four-generation research project specified by ICAPGen to apply for accreditation
  3. Know how to complete many of the requirements specified by the BCG to apply for certification

Learning Model Architecture

Prepare

You will prepare by setting goals and scheduling your time wisely. Doing so will help you complete assignments, stay on task, and perform valuable work in the future. You will have little predefined structure and consequently you will be responsible for thinking ahead and establishing your own productive schedule.

Teach One Another

You will teach one another as you research specific individuals and their families. Many others in your class will be able to provide you with tips and assistance that can help you reach your goals. Likewise, you will have much to offer them and will have many opportunities to do so throughout the semester.

Ponder/Prove

You will demonstrate your work each week by completing requirements of the BCG certification. Your accounting of them to your instructor will further help you to ponder and prove.

The course is not an independent study course. The group teaching and learning activities require students to cover material at the same time and at the same pace.

Required Materials

Course Texts and Materials

Weekly Time Commitment

The online class policy is that for every credit hour, you should expect to spend 3–4 hours of work per week. For this class, you should plan on spending at least 9–12 hours per week.

You will be required to meet with your online instructor in his or her online office at least once in the first three weeks of class. Your instructor will inform you how you should sign up for this time.

Grading Policies

Grades are based on the following point system:

Grading Scale
93% – 100% = A 80% – 82% = B- 67% – 69% = D+
90% – 92% = A- 77% – 79% = C+ 63% – 66% = D
87% – 89% = B+ 73% – 76% = C 60% – 62% = D-
83% – 86% = B 70% – 72% = C- below 60% = F

Grading in the course will be based on the following table. Remember: None of your work for this class can be used for your actual BCG submission but these assignments help you prepare for the kinds of tasks used in your application process.

Category Points Weight
1. Assignments
  • Application Forms
  • BCG Requirement 2
  • Research Project Proposal
  • BCG Requirement 3
  • BCG Requirement 4
  • Research Project—First Draft
  • Interview with Instructor
  • BCG Requirement 6
  • Research Project—Second Draft
  • Kinship-Determination Project—First Draft
  • Interview with Instructor
  • Research Project Preparation
  • ICAPGen Application Project
  • Kinship-Determination Project
 485 points 49.4%
2. Discussions/Weekly Reflections 320 points 32.6%
3. Misc (Syllabus Quiz, Ice Breaker, Reading Verification) 20 points 2.0%
4. Weekly Reflection 150 points 15.3%
Total 975 points 100%

RESOURCES

If any technical difficulties arise throughout the course, contact the Online Support Center or the Help Desk before contacting the instructor.

Missing Content

Most modern browsers block content that is not secure or does not meet certain security specifications. There may be times when content in this course does not display properly. If you experience this, you may download this document:Content Settings in I-Learnfor help.

Checklists

This course contains checklists for your convenience. You do not need to use them but may if you find it helps you keep track of things. They are saved in your browser, so switching browsers or computers will generate empty checklists, however, when you return to the browser and computer where you originally checked the boxes they will still be checked.

Clearing your cache will also erase your saved checklists. More info is given as you start using checklists.

Online Support Center

Phone: 208-496-1411
Email: onlinelearning@byui.edu
Website:http://www.byui.edu/online/online-support-center
Text Messaging: 855-808-7102
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM (MT)
Skype: onlinesupportcenterbyui
Live Chat: Available on the Online Support Center Website.

Help Desk

Phone: (208) 496-1411
Email: helpdesk@byui.edu
Website:http://www.byui.edu/help-desk
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 9 PM (MT); Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM (MT)

Copyright

Materials on BYU–I I-Learn and related sites may be protected by US Copyright Law (Title 17, US Code). These materials are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

University Policies

Academic honesty is required and any violation with be dealt with according to the University Academic Honesty Policy.

Policy on Sexual Discrimination/Harassment

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an education program or activity that receives federal funds, including Federal loans and grants. Title IX also covers student-to-student sexual harassment. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender based discrimination, please contact the Personnel Office at (208) 496-1130.

Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University–Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office, (208) 496-1158. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by this office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures. You should contact the Personnel Office at (208) 496-1130.

Personal Conduct

All of your correspondence with the teacher or other classmates must be respectful. Writing something disrespectful or "venting" is unprofessional and not becoming of a university student. In addition, it is not in accordance with the Honor Code of BYU–Idaho and you will be subject to discipline accordingly. You are invited to re-read the BYU–I Honor Code and the "Principles of Personal Honor." http://www.byui.edu/student-honor-office/ces-honor-code

The instructor reserves the right to change any part of this syllabus at any time during the semester in order to adapt to changing course needs. You will be notified prior to any changes that may take place.

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