Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree (FutureLearn)

Gain an introduction to genealogy

Learn how to find and analyse sources, discover different research strategies, and tackle genealogy databases and wildcards. You’ll learn about the importance of names and explore the challenges that name changes cause for genealogists.

You’ll be introduced to the main source types including civil, church, census and military records and learn how to use these different kinds of data.

Discover DNA testing

Learn about the more technical sides of genealogical research such as the principles of the Genealogical Proof Standard, where you’ll discover how to establish proof.

You’ll be a scientist for the day and find out how DNA testing works in genealogical research. You’ll learn about the principles of genealogical inheritance, find out how autosomal DNA testing helps genealogists and learn about Y chromosome inheritance.

Create a family tree

Uncover the secrets of your family’s past and turn your genealogy into a tangible family history. You’ll discover the best ways to record your research, document it and protect it so that it lasts for generations to come.

You’ll learn how to balance genealogical data and historical context, delve into local and general histories, and use maps and photographs to bring your family history to life.

Throughout the course, you’ll also follow one woman’s journey as she researches her family tree and learns about her past.

Syllabus

Week 1: Analysing documents

Week 2: Effective searching techniques

Week 3: Using major source types

Week 4: Genealogical proof and DNA testing

Week 5: Putting your research into context

Week 6: Documenting and communicating your research results and sources

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

- Design a research plan for tracing family history.

- Apply key techniques used when searching for and analysing genealogical records.

- Describe the differences between genealogical source types and why they may cause problems for the researcher.

- Develop an awareness of the use of historic and social context in family history research.

- Develop an understanding of the ways in which genealogical information can be recorded and communicated.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone with an interest in genealogy.

The course will be suitable if you:

- have no experience with genealogy or family history research;

- have some experience with genealogical research but want to develop your skills and knowledge further;

- are a more experienced genealogical researcher but want to learn new searching, analytical or communication techniques or

- find it difficult to access opportunities for training and development.