Course Syllabus

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NOTE: This course code has changed from FHGEN 112 to FHGEN 242. You may occasionally see references to the old course code or title.

Course Description

Welcome to FHGEN 242: Intro to Evidence Analysis. This course is an introduction and continuation of basic genealogical research principles. A primary goal  of this course is to help students learn, think, and act like a professional genealogist. Students will follow the research process as they solve basic United States research problems. Students will learn how to find and cite original sources, analyze evidence, and record genealogical information using professional standards.

Please note that this course does not teach basic computer skills. It is assumed that students are already quite familiar with using a computer. If a student needs to develop or refresh their computer skills, they are welcome to study the Computer Basics tutorial series from GCFLearnFree.org.

In conjunction with the other courses in this program, this course prepares students to apply for a professional genealogy credential through ICAPGen (International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists) or BCG (Board for Certification of Genealogists).

Course 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.  Cite sources using citation formats that meet professional standards.

Learning Model Architecture

FHGEN 242 follows a weekly cycle of Prepare, Teach One Another, and Ponder & Prove activities.

Prepare

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

Teach One Another

Using a discussion board, students 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

Students should have completed the following course with a passing grade before enrolling in FHGEN 242:

  • FHGEN 241: Intro to Research Methodology

 

Required Materials

Proctored Exams and Assessments

This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This makes it possible for students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor present. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam once the software has been installed. Exams will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYUI Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.

For step-by-step instructions on Proctorio installation, please refer to the Student Help: Proctorio in Canvas guide.

Course Overview

Course Expectations

  • This is a university-level course designed to help students become a professional genealogist; therefore, university-level work is expected.
  • Coursework is due on Wednesdays (midweek) and Saturdays (end of week) at 11:59 p.m. (mountain time). Students are expected to complete their assignments on time. Late work is not accepted.
  • This course is not an independent study course. Students advance through the material at the same time and at the same pace, thus allowing peer to peer interactions.
  • The online class policy is that for every credit hour, students should expect to spend 3–4 hours of work per week. For this class, students should plan on spending approximately 9–12 hours per week.

Writing Requirements

In this course, students write professional, college-level papers. Students should focus their papers on the topic and be concise and clear. Citations are required on most assignments. Professional citation standards will be taught in this course. Students should organize their papers using paragraphs with correct spelling and punctuation.

Personalized help and video lessons are available to students through the BYUI Writing Center.

It is the student's responsibility to understand and follow instructions. If a student has a question regarding an assignment, they should contact their instructor early. Last minute questions may not be answered immediately.

Course Requirements

Grading Policies

Grades are determined by a weighted scale. To maximize their grade, students should put forth a conscientious effort.

Activities

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

  • Overall percentage of grade: 30%

Discussions

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

  • Overall percentage of grade: 24%

Assignments

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

  • Overall percentage of grade: 35%

Reflections

The reflections allow students to report on their individual family history efforts and the course. Thorough and honest answers are appreciated.

  • Overall percentage of grade: 1%

Exams and Final Project

This course has a comprehensive final exam comprised of multiple choice and short-answer questions. It requires students to demonstrate that they understand the skills and processes from the weeks.  The final exam is open book. However, to succeed, students must review and prepare before starting, because the final exam is timed.

In Weeks 06–11, students record information about the most commonly used record types and where they are found. Students will submit a Table of Record Types along with the Advanced Research Problem assignment during Week 12.

  • Overall percentage of grade: 10%

Resources

If you need assistance, visit the I-Learn help tab located on the left hand side of the screen to contact the appropriate support center.

Copyright

Materials in this BYU-Idaho online course and related sites may be protected by US 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.

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

This course includes required synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

  • Student Honor
    • Academic Honesty
    • Student Conduct
      • Sexual Harassment
  • Student with Disabilities
  • Complaints and Grievances
  • Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due