From Acorn to Oak: Building a Family Tree (Part 2)

Overview

From Acorn to Oak, Part Two, is the second of three courses in a genealogy series. It will help you to continue to develop your family tree by introducing you to new historical records and online searching techniques. It is also suitable for those who have already begun to research their family tree but would like to learn more about genealogical records and how to research databases more effectively. This course focuses primarily on British family history research. Students will learn how to effectively search a number of subscription and free genealogical websites, as well as use and interpret parish records, newspapers, photographs, maps and wills and probate (pre-1858).  

This distance learning course enables you to study from home and participate in an online community of other students learning about genealogy. The module is delivered through Blackboard, our online learning environment and a live webinar will be held at the end of the module. Wherever possible, alternative free resources are highlighted, and the majority of the subscription websites used are available to access for free through local public library services. Some of the online resources referred to during this course do require a subscription, if accessed from home. 

Programme

Activities and tasks will be embedded into each unit so students can practise the techniques they have learned and develop their skills. Students will be encouraged to share their own work and participate in discussions on Blackboard. Alongside the learning materials on Blackboard the tutor will be on hand via email to answer any queries and provide guidance throughout the course. They will also participate in the online discussions.  

• Unit 1 – Introduction 
• Unit 2 – Parish Records 
• Unit 3 – Pre-1858 Wills and Probate 
• Unit 4 – Historical Newspapers 

Live Webinar 

• Unit 5 – Photographs 
• Unit 6 - Maps 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

1. Build and develop their family tree beyond 1837 (civil registration) by effectively searching historical records such as parish registers, wills and newspapers to locate key information. 
2. Decipher and transcribe key historical and genealogical documents in order to extract accurate information for their research 
3. Perform intermediate level online searches on a number of genealogical websites to locate relevant records using multiply pieces of information 
4. Collate, analyse and synthesise information, from the wide variety of source material explored in the module, to produce a short research project that positions their ancestors within a wider socio-historic context.  

Assessments

1. Transcription Test - The students will be given 4 short documents to study and transcribe accurately. (20%)
2. Short Research Project -The student will write a short essay about a section/branch of their family tree that utilises the majority of the records covered during the module. It should include a family tree diagram, at least one photograph and two maps. There should be evidence of the student researching the history of the place where their ancestor(s) lived and positioning them within a wider socio-historic context. 1000 words (80%). 

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:
• Internet access
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.