SLIG 2015 Offers Two DNA Educational Opportunities!

Using DNA analysis in genealogical research is becoming more popular. This is evidenced by the Salt Lake Institute offering not one, but two DNA-specific tracks in 2015. The tracks will offer something for everyone, from beginner to advanced. Based on your level of expertise, you can decide which one best fits your needs. The overviews of each course, provided below, can offer you the guidance needed to make that choice.

Debbie Parker Wayne is the course coordinator for “Getting Started with Genetic Genealogy.” As noted on the website, this “course provides genealogists with the knowledge needed to correctly incorporate DNA results into their family history. Beginners will receive foundational knowledge in the basics needed to understand the application of genetics for genealogical research purposes. Those with prior knowledge of DNA will be able fill in holes in understanding and be introduced to tools and techniques with practical, hands-on exercises.”

“This course will use real-life genetic results and family histories to demonstrate DNA inheritance patterns, how to analyze DNA test results, and how to correlate that analysis with traditional documentary research to arrive at soundly reasoned genealogical conclusions. A discussion of biology will provide baseline information needed to fully understand DNA results used for genealogical purposes without spending time on discussions more useful to biologists than genealogists. Attendees should be able to use their knowledge and current tools to analyze Y-DNA, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), autosomal DNA (atDNA), and X-DNA test results, as appropriate for any given kinship theory, as positive or negative evidence to correlate with the documentary evidence from traditional research.”

CeCe Moore and Angie Bush are the course coordinators for “Getting More Out of Genetic Genealogy Research: Intermediate to Advanced DNA Analysis Techniques.” “This advanced analysis course is intended for the genealogist who has a thorough understanding of genetic genealogy basics and has experience applying DNA testing to family history research. This is the next step in genetic genealogy education, with a focus on preparing professionals and others to accept work on genetic genealogy cases and strengthen the skills of those who are already doing so.”

“This course will examine the methods used by expert genetic genealogists to thoroughly and accurately analyze DNA testing results to advance knowledge of an individual’s genealogy. Instruction will include complex case studies that incorporate multiple types of DNA testing results, analyzed in conjunction with documentary evidence, as well as cases where DNA test results are the primary resource, such as in unknown parentage cases. Coursework will include analyzing and comparing DNA testing data from all of the companies offering products to the genealogy community with explanations and demonstrations of the most valuable features and tools for the genetic genealogist working with large amounts of data. Through active participation in and completion of this course, the genealogist will gain essential skills for integrating DNA testing with traditional genealogy research on an advanced level.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about how to apply DNA testing and analysis to your genealogical research! It promises to open up a whole new world of research possibilities.

SLIG's Advanced Methods Course with Thomas Jones

Are you ready to go to the next level with your genealogical education? If so, consider enrolling in the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy's "Advanced Genealogical Methods." Course coordinator, Thomas Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL; promises to provide an unbeatable learning experience.

As detailed in the course description: "Students in 'Advanced Genealogical Methods' will learn how to use and assemble evidence to rediscover ancestral origins, identities, and relationships that have been forgotten in the passage of time. The course will address advanced use of evidence from a variety of genealogical records and research in populations for which the usual records are in short supply (including female, enslaved, and impoverished ancestors). Students also will learn how to develop written proof summaries to show their conclusions’ accuracy and create a credible record of their findings for present and future generations of family historians."

There is a prerequisite for this course, which is "targeted to 'high intermediate' genealogists who have completed an intermediate-level methodology course or who have equivalent experiences, and whose research includes original or microfilmed land and probate records. The course will include required prereadings and three optional homework assignments."

Tom is joined by well-known genealogists Judy G. Russell, CG, CGL; Pamela Boyer Sayre, CG, CGL; and Richard G. Sayre, CG, CGL. You can see the detailed line-up of lectures and instructors here: http://www.ugagenealogy.org/cpage.php?pt=325.

Registration opens at 9:00 AM (Mountain Time) on Saturday, June 7th. Details are here: http://www.infouga.org/cpage.php?pt=42. This course promises to fill up fast as in past years, so be sure to be ready to sign-up when registration opens!

SLIG's Advanced Evidence Analysis Practicum Being Offered Again in 2015

Want an opportunity to test your genealogical skills? If so, this course is for you! This popular course will be offered again at SLIG in 2015. As noted on SLIG's website, http://www.ugagenealogy.org/cpage.php?pt=327:

"This hands-on course is an opportunity for advanced genealogists to put their research skills into practice. Participants will work on five complex genealogical research problems—a new one each day. The objective is to give each student experience in conducting research on complex problems, analyzing and correlating evidence, and reaching conclusions. The research problems will be varied, offering students the challenge of stretching their mind and skills in directions that their research may not normally take them.

"Participants will work individually on the cases to analyze documents and evidence provided, and research online and at the Family History Library. The first case study will be distributed Sunday at orientation, and then class will meet from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day. This will be an opportunity to discuss the case with fellow classmates and the expert instructor. Participants will compare sources, strategies and methodologies used, discuss difficulties encountered, and receive guidance from the case study author. Students will learn from each other as well as the instructors.

"This course is designed for advanced genealogists who have sufficient experience and education to work on complex genealogical problems."

Over the past several years, cases have been presented by Michael Hait, Harold Henderson, William "Bill" Litchman, Thomas Jones, and J. Mark Lowe--just to name a few.

The course coordinator is Angela McGhie. She is a genealogical researcher, lecturer and instructor. She is the administrator of the ProGen Study Program where she manages online groups studying Professional Genealogy. She also serves on the education committee of the Association of Professional Genealogists and writes a blog on genealogy education at www.genealogyeducation.blogspot.com.