In line with the University’s Strategic Vision of incorporating and using technology in all areas of work, we are delighted to launch online versions of our successful classroom based genealogy classes. By doing this we are offering further flexibility of choice for students. You can study from your own home wherever that may be and at whatever time you choose. These classes will also put you in an online community of budding genealogists which will allow you to share resources and further your own research.
Given the subject matter covered in the classes, it is hoped this diversity will enrich your learning experience.
We are following the model used in our highly successful ‘Blaze: online creative writing classes’ and as such the classes will be delivered through MyPlace, the University’s virtual learning environment. This is a user-friendly platform and all you need is a broadband internet connection. It is suggested that before undertaking any of these classes that you are familiar with Windows operating systems, file management and use of the internet.
Classes will be delivered throughout 2012/13 as follows:
Family History Research: from the Beginning
10 credit points (at Level SCQF 7)
In this class, you will discover sources useful for tracing your own family history. This will include indexes, original records and a range of online sources. Although we will focus on Scottish records, we will illustrate how these strategies can be used to search for records in other countries. Using case histories, we will provide you with ideas and strategies to help you to use these sources to produce a genealogical record of your family. We will use a range of technologies available through MySpace to share and discuss how we can apply strategies to build your family history.
The text for this class is ‘Discover Your Scottish Ancestry: Internet and Traditional Resources’, G Holton and J Winch, 2nd Revised ed. 2009, (Edinburgh University Press).
From Monday 1 October 2012 (enrolment deadline Friday 21 September 2012)
Fee: £135
Family History the Internet and More
10 credit points (at Level SCQF 7)
This class will explore the vast range of online sources which can be utilised to research your family history. It will therefore, be necessary for you to have a subscription to an online service and a discussion of what is available through a variety of services will be available at the beginning of the course, in order to assist you in making some decisions about the most appropriate service for your own needs. Although we will focus on Scottish records, we will illustrate how these strategies can be used to search for records in other countries. We will discuss a range of strategies to assist you in making the most effective use of online resources. The class will also introduce you to a range of genealogy software. We will discuss a range of sources beyond those for births, marriages and censuses and will also explore ongoing developments in technologies which are of relevance to genealogists. The tools available in MyPlace will be used to share and discuss many of these ideas.
From Monday 21 January 2013 (enrolment deadline Friday 11 January 2013)
Fee: £135
Genealogy: Beyond the Basics
10 credit points (at Level SCQF 7)
This class will focus on sources beyond birth, marriage, death and census records. The records used will be relevant in the main to Scottish based research, although some aspects will be of relevance to those undertaking research in other countries. This will include wills, testaments, inventories, valuation rolls, poor law records, and court documentation. There will also be work on the interpretation of old documents and an introduction to paleography. Students should be familiar with basic records.
The text for this class is ‘Scottish Genealogy’, Bruce Durie. 3rd ed. 2012, (The History Press).
From Monday 15 April 2013 (enrolment deadline Friday 5 April 2013)
Fee: £135
Please note that it may be possible to gain a place (subject to availability) after these enrolment dates but we cannot guarantee that you would be able to start the course on the first day as time needs to be allowed to set up your IT user account.
The tutor for these classes is Marie Dougan BSc PgDip Prof Studies in Education PgDip (Gen Studies).
You can enrol online now for 2012/13 classes using the Online Shop.
For further information about Online Scottish Genealogy classes, please contact Lisa Donaldson on (0141) 548 4147 or by email: lisa.donaldson@strath.ac.uk
