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Course image Methodology - Part 4: Effective Searching and Recording
Intermediate Methodology
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Methodology  4 - Effective Searching and Recording

*Course materials will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

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

Contact Hours: 18
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 8 weeks
COURSE CONTENTS

MODULE 1
STEP 4: EFFECTIVE SEARCHING & RECORDING
Effective Searching
Locating Research Already Done or In Progress
Published Family Histories, Genealogies & Biographies = Research Already Done
Locating Other Researchers = Work in Progress
Taking Notes during Research
Consistency in Format & Use of Abbreviations
Recording
Five Essential Parts of a Good Record
Use of Transcript or Abstract Forms
Recording Family Sources
Written Sources
Recording Civil Registration/Vital Records/Vital Statistics

MODULE 2
STEP 4: EFFECTIVE SEARCHING & RECORDING…Continued
Recording ... Continued
Recording Census
Recording Parish & Other Religious Registers
Phonetic Spellings
Foundlings’ Names
Calendar Changes
Julian & Georgian Calendars & “The Lost 11 days”
Old Style & New Style
Genealogical Surprises
Recording Parish Registers with Patronymics
Recording Probate
Recording Land Records
Recording DNA

MODULE 3
STEP 5: DOCUMENTATION
Introduction to Documentation
Required Reading
Recording & Copying Relevant Items
What Can You Copy?
Before You Visit an Archive or Repository
Obtaining Copies from FamilySearch

MODULE 4
STEP 6: PRESENTING & PRESERVING YOUR RESEARCH
Presenting Your Research
Accuracy & Ethical Considerations in Publishing Data
Synthesis of Research Results
Standard Methods of Synthesis of Research Results
Biography Synopsis/Timeline
Family Group Record
Surname Descent Chart
Pedigree Chart
Ahnentafel or Continental Pedigree
Circular & Fan Pedigree Charts
Decorative Pedigree Charts

MODULE 5
STEP 6: PRESENTING & PRESERVING YOUR RESEARCH…Continued
Presenting Your Research…Continued
Descendancy Chart
Computer Format
Narrative Format or Paragraph Pedigree
Sun Charts
Decorative Descent Charts
Family Tree or Drop-Line Chart
Computer Software Programme - Ancestor Notes
The Ancestorgraph
Charts for Other Interests

MODULE 6
STEP 6: PRESENTING & PRESERVING YOUR RESEARCH…Continued
Preserving Your Research
Stop & Write Up Frequently
Survival of Your Research
Share with Others
Writing a Family History
Guides
General Considerations in Writing
Simple Ways to Organize Your Book
Narrative Accounts
Telling the Story as a Descendancy
Telling the Story Along Ancestral Lines
One Surname
Matrilineal Descent
Several (or all) Ancestors
Telling the Story as Descendants & Ancestors of a Pivotal Couple
Family Reference Book
Theme Approach
Sources-based Approach
“How I Did It” Account
Combinations
Your Final Say - Disposal of Your Research After Your Death

RECOMMENDED READING & RESOURCES

APPENDIX
Useful Forms