Course Descriptions
FHGEN 111 Introduction to Family History Research, Part One: Record Groups and Methodology
An introduction to basic genealogical research principles and record groups. Students will learn how to:
• Use United States records to solve basic research problems
• Identify original sources to answer genealogical questions
• Record genealogical information using professional standards
• Use key record sources to identify ancestors
• Organize family history information
FHGEN 112 Introduction to Family History Research, Part Two: Analysis of Research Evidence
Prerequisites: FHGEN 111
An introduction to genealogical evidence analysis and research methodology. Students
will learn how to do the following:
• Use facts, proofs, evidence, and sources to build a case for accurate genealogical
conclusions
• Analyze and weigh evidence to meet genealogical proof standards
• Cite courses using professional standards
• Place their ancestors in historical context
FHGEN 120 Internet and Computer Skills
An introduction to genealogical software, key genealogical resources on the Internet,
and the computer search skills essential for genealogical research. This course does not
provide instruction in how to use a computer.
FHGEN 130 Paleography
An introduction to paleography in early United States genealogical records. Students will
learn how to do the following:
• Identify key genealogical record types from the Colonial era and 19th century
• Ready and interpret key genealogical information, including terms and phrases written in
English and Latin
FHGEN 140 Genealogical Writing
Principles of effective report writing for genealogical projects, including formatting, documentation,
source citations, and presentation of genealogical data. Through case studies,
students will learn how to prepare effective genealogical reports for clients.
FHGEN 160 The Family and Society
This course teaches (1) how families interact with the law and government as illustrated
in original United States sources and (2) how these interactions produce records that
help researchers discover genealogical information.
Students will become familiar with the origins of and purpose for United States record
sources used to answer genealogical research questions. They will learn more in-depth
information about sources introduced in the first year of study. Students will add family
history information to the RootsMagic software.
FHGEN 211 Research Methodology, Part 1
Teaches principles of effective genealogical research methodology. Students will plan
strategies to solve research problems. They will use various types of genealogical records
and sources to complete research assignments. Through assigned research projects,
students will gain experience in describing a research problem, planning and executing
a research strategy, compiling and analyzing evidence, assembling documents, citing
sources, and producing a professional and well-organized report.
FHGEN 212 Research Methodology, Part 2
Prerequisites: FGHEN 211
Provides further practice in effective genealogical research methodology. It is a continuation
of Research Methodology Part One. Through assigned and self-selected research
projects, students will gain experience in using various records and sources to solve
genealogical problems and write professional-quality research reports.
FHGEN 251A Geographic Specialization Course 1: U.S. Regions Research, Part 1
Prerequisites: Previous or concurrent enrollment in FHGEN 130 and 211
Focuses on how to do genealogical research in the U.S. Regions. Through case studies
and assignments, students will learn about records, including their geographical-historical
background, and principles of paleography. They will learn methods for reconstruction of
individual families, and understand the development of demographic and family history
studies. Students will learn key record types for the area and how to use them to find
genealogical information. Students will produce a research report on how they solved an
area-specific research problem.
FHGEN 251B Geographic Specialization Course 1: British Isles Research, Part 1
Prerequisites: Previous or concurrent enrollment in FHGEN 130 and 211
Focuses on how to do genealogical research in the British Isles. Through case studies and
assignments, students will learn about records, including their geographical-historical
background, and principles of paleography. They will learn methods for reconstruction of
individual families, and understand the development of demographic and family history
studies. Students will learn key record types for the area and how to use them to find
genealogical information. Students will produce a research report on how they solved an
area-specific research problem.
FHGEN 251C Geographic Specialization Course 1: German Research Part 1
Prerequisites: Previous or concurrent enrollment in FHGEN 130 and 211
Focuses on how to do genealogical research in Germany. Through case studies and
assignments, students will learn about records, including their geographical-historical
background, and principles of paleography. They will learn methods for reconstruction of
individual families, and understand the development of demographic and family history
studies. Students will learn key record types for the area and how to use them to find
genealogical information. Students will produce a research report on how they solved an
area-specific research problem.
FHGEN 251D Geographic Specialization Course 1: Scandinavian Research Part 1
Prerequisites: Previous or concurrent enrollment in FHGEN 130 and 211
Focuses on how to do genealogical research in Scandinavia. Through case studies and
assignments, students will learn about records, including their geographical-historical
background, and principles of paleography. They will learn methods for reconstruction of
individual families, and understand the development of demographic and family history
studies. Students will learn key record types for the area and how to use them to find
genealogical information. Students will produce a research report on how they solved an
area-specific research problem.
FHGEN 252A Geographic Specialization Course 2: U.S. Regions Research, Part 2
Prerequisites: FHGEN 251A
Focuses on how to do genealogical research in the U. S. Regions. Through case studies
and assignments, students will learn about records, including their geographical-historical
background, and principles of paleography. They will learn methods for reconstruction of
individual families and understand the development of demographic and family history
studies. Students will learn key record types for the area and how to use them to find
genealogical information. Students will produce a research report on how they solved an
area-specific research problem.
FHGEN 252B Geographic Specialization Course 2: British Isles Research, Part 2
Prerequisites: FHGEN 251B
Focuses on how to do genealogical research in the British Isles. Through case studies and
assignments, students will learn about records, including their geographical-historical
background, and principles of paleography. They will learn methods for reconstruction of
individual families and understand the development of demographic and family history
studies. Students will learn key record types for the area and how to use them to find
genealogical information. Students will produce a research report on how they solved an
area-specific research problem.
FHGEN 252C Geographic Specialization Course 2: German Research, Part 2
Prerequisites: FHGEN 251C
Focuses on how to do genealogical research in Germany. Through case studies and
assignments, students will learn about records, including their geographical-historical
background, and principles of paleography. They will learn methods for reconstruction of
individual families and understand the development of demographic and family history
studies. Students will learn key record types for the area and how to use them to find
genealogical information. Students will produce a research report on how they solved an
area-specific research problem.
FHGEN 252D Geographic Specialization Course 2: Scandinavian Research, Part 2
Prerequisites: FHGEN 251D
Focuses on how to do genealogical research in Scandinavia. Through case studies and
assignments, students will learn about records, including their geographical-historical
background, and principles of paleography. They will learn methods for reconstruction of
individual families and understand the development of demographic and family history
studies. Students will learn key record types for the area and how to use them to find
genealogical information. Students will produce a research report on how they solved an
area-specific research problem.
FHGEN 270 Genealogy as a Business
Teaches students how to apply their genealogical skills to conduct paid genealogical
research for clients. Students will learn how to establish and manage a research business.
Students will also learn about other job opportunities for genealogists. Students will learn
how genealogists conduct a successful research business. They will prepare a business
plan, including a marketing plan that uses various media, including print and electronic.
They will create a resume and learn how to conduct a successful job interview.
FHGEN 299 Capstone: Professional Research
Prerequisites: Previous or concurrent enrollment in FHGEN 212
Practical application of all the skills students have gained in the Family History Applied
Associates Degree program Students will practice evidentiary analysis and writing skills in
preparing different types of reports and exploring professional credentialing options in the
field of genealogy. Students will learn about real-world environments by interacting with
online guest speakers. Students will gain experience in completing research projects for
clients. They will choose a client (fellow student, family member, or friend) and conduct
research. They will prepare a well-organized client report. Students will add family history
information to RootsMagic software.