Intermediate Methodology

The objective of this course is to teach you how to manage your genealogical project. 

If you recall, during Methodology - Part 1: Getting Started and Methodology - Part 2: Organizing and Skill-Building we reminded you often that there are many ways to approach your genealogical project. We also made you aware that there are many ways of getting yourself organized; what is important is to choose a system that works for you. 

Methodology - Part 3: More Strategies and Methodology - Part 4: Effective Searching and Recording continue from the first two basic methodology courses, providing you with different methods of managing your genealogical project. 

Methodology - Part 3: More Strategies will consist of an intensive study of the types of information and how to gather it. We shall look at how to organize this information, the research process, and even your genealogical office. Strategies for planning your project and for using original records complete the course. 

Methodology - Part 4: Effective Searching and Recording deals with what to look for in the main sources and how to record it. We then discuss the many methods of synthesizing your research results for presentation and preservation. 

The objective of this course is to teach you how to effectively search and record your information. 

Just to recap, during Methodology-Part 1: Getting Started and Methodology-Part 2: Organizing and Skillbuilding we reminded you that there are many ways to approach your genealogical project. We also made you aware that there are many ways of getting yourself organized; what is important is to choose a system that works for you. 

Methodology-Part 3: More Strategies consisted of an intensive study of the types of information and how to gather it. We looked at how to organize this information, the research process, and even your genealogical office. Strategies for planning your project and for using original records completed the course. 

Methodology-Part 4: Effective Searching and Recording deals with what to look for in the main sources and how to record it. We then discuss the many methods of synthesizing your research results for presentation and preservation.  

The objective of this course is to teach you how to make an effective research plan and how to establish proof in your research. It builds on the skills learned during the basic and other intermediate level Methodology courses.

This course considers in depth the many possibilities and pitfalls involved in proving your family history in a professional manner. The first two modules on Theory concentrates on the meaning of proof in genealogy, delves deeply into sources, information, and evidence, and concludes with construction of hypotheses and theories. The third and fourth modules are involved with Technique including pedigree analysis, family reconstruction, use of indexes, negative proof, documentation and the phenomena of serendipity and intuition. The final modules are devoted to Problem Solving where we learn how to deal with problems with starting information, assumptions, problems with records, conflicting evidence, name changes, finding the right location, migration, age problems, illegitimacy, bigamy and other marital anomalies, female ancestors, and the disappearance of paupers. This comprehensive treatment prepares the student for the research process and writing out the research results and conclusion of analysis to establish proof. 

NOTE: This course requires compulsory materials to be ordered. Please see Course Supplies for details.

NOTE: This course requires compulsory textbooks.

1. Genealogy Standards by Board for Certification of Genealogists
2. Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones

The Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program is designed to promote the quality of the work every family historian and genealogist alike should strive to achieve. Avoid limits on your level of excellence by assuming this program is not relevant to your specific projects. 

Analysis & Skills Mentoring Program-Part 2 is a continuation of the teaching, testing and consulting method. This part of the program will focus on the subjects addressed in your Intermediate Level studies. Now you are familiar with reading materials covered in the previous course, and you'll continue to refer to them. 

Please remember students study various courses or the records of various countries. We prepared the cases and data to be as generic as possible. Many names, dates, and places are strictly fictitious. We advise you to complete any other Basic level prerequisites before starting this one. 

The course’s assignments/projects will be reviewed by an instructor. We provide feedback during two individual consultation appointments. An integral part of this practical program includes discussing your completed assignments. You'll receive personalized advice and help toward improving your skills.

Please be aware this is a 26-week course. Though you can take six months to submit all the assignments and complete the private one-on-one consultations, this course takes an average of 36-40 hours. We give extra time to book consultation appointments, allowing for flexible scheduling. Realistically, you can finish this course in 8 weeks like the other courses you've taken. Feel free to slow down and take your time as well.

Once your start date is scheduled, use the course study plan to manage your time towards completing the course’s required reading, assignments, attend the Virtual Meetings, and consultations with an instructor. Avoid piling up it all up in the last week. Analysis and Skills courses are not like other courses.