Enrollment options
NOTE: This course requires compulsory materials to be ordered.
- The book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom: The Art of a One-Name Study can be purchased.
- Optional Print Course Material: Organising A One-Name Study *Will only be sent to students that are already registered in the course.
One-name (surname) studies are not just about collecting
documentary event data on a particular surname. According to the
Guild of One-Name Studies, the aim of the study “is to research
the genealogy and family history of all persons with a given
surname and its linked variants.” The study can be as elusive as
the wild goose chase for a needle in a hay stack and is certainly
a challenging pursuit. Through proper use of resources your
research will be extremely rewarding.
This course will begin by examining the art of a one-name study and elaborating on the many different elements you should consider. Organising your research, searching for primary sources around the world, analysing the data you acquire, publicising, publishing and preserving your work are thoroughly discussed along with tips and techniques in the field of one-name studies.
MODULE 1
GUILD OF ONE-NAME STUDIES
Certificate of Excellence
ABOUT ONE-NAME STUDIES
Introduction
About the “Seven Pillars of Wisdom”
Required Reading
What is a One-Name Study?
A Look at Surnames
Derivation of Surnames
Nicknames
Patronymics
Surname Frequency
The Guild of One-Name Studies
Getting Started on Your One-Name Study
MODULE 2
DOCUMENTARY DATA COLLECTION
Required Reading
Documentary Data
Indexes of Births, Marriages, and Deaths in England and Wales
Originals of Civil Registration
Census Records
Wills and Will Indexes
The National Archives
Parish Registers in England and Wales
Original Parish Registers
Gravestones and Memorials
MODULE 3
GENERAL REGISTRATION IN OTHER COUNTRIES
Required Reading
General Registration in Various Countries
Census Returns & Electoral Rolls in Other Countries
Other One-Name Studies Sources
MODULE 4
ANALYSING THE DATA
Required Reading
Analysis
Family Reconstruction
Naming Lineages
Finding Missing Data
Migration of Ancestors
National Archives of Australia
Gazetteers
Map Sources
How DNA Can Help Analyse One-Name Study Data
Registering a Y-chromosome DNA Project
Synthesis of Data
Types and Origins of Surnames
MODULE 5
WEBSITES FOR ONE-NAME STUDIES
Required Reading
Guild of One-Name Studies
Beware! The Privacy of Living People
Websites to Connect With
Improve Your Chances of Getting Found
Social Networking
Blogs
How to Contact Name Bearers
MODULE 6
PUBLISHING
One-Name Study Websites
Required Reading
Publishing Your One-Name Study
Articles in Magazines and Journals
One-Name Study Books
Things to Consider
Seminars and Conferences
Publishing on the Web
Protecting Your Research
Online Archiving for Guild Members
Ensuring the Longevity of Your Study
When Your Time Comes
MODULE 7
DNA & YOUR ONE-NAME STUDY
Required Reading
Introduction
Finding a Study
Creating a DNA Study
Recruiting Volunteers
Collating & Analyzing Data
Reminders