Course Spotlight: DNA Dreamers in Action: Writing Proof Arguments

Have you ever wanted to take a course that engages you in both DNA and writing? Do you want hands-on experience crafting proof arguments to the Genealogical Proof Standard for your conclusions about genetic relationships? The Course DNA Dreamers in Action: Writing Proof Arguments will take you on an exciting writing and DNA evidence journey at SLIG 2022.

Ready to Write

Course coordinator and DNA expert Karen Stanbary, MA, LCSW, CG, explains, "This hands-on course is designed for those students who have completed research about a biological relationship and now wish to 'write it up' into a polished complex proof argument." The next step in several DNA courses Karen has taught for SLIG, students will engage in sessions of private writing time where they will practice lessons learned in morning sessions and study. During this time, faculty will also be available for consultations for your personal questions and needs.

Writing and Standards Experts

This course will also feature an exemplary faculty. Among them are writing and methodology experts, including Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, FASG, FNGS, FUGA; Nancy A. Peters, CG, editor of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly; and Scott Wilds, CG. Dr. Jones will join the class through the week to speak on evidence, source citations, writing skills, and live editing with the class. Nancy Peters and Scott Wilds will join the course's "Polish and Submit" day on Friday to discuss submitting DNA proof arguments for publication to NGSQ or for credentialing purposed to BCG. Course coordinator Karen Stanbary will tackle subjects including resolving conflicting evidence, derived meaning from DNA test results, charts in writing, and privacy in DNA writing.

Class Engagement

Students in this course will engage in hands-on learning in multiple ways. Daily writing sessions will allow students to practice skills as they learn them and incorporate techniques into their writing in real-time. Students will pair in peer review partnerships that will allow for valuable daily feedback. The course as a whole will collaborate on creating a  quick reference guide to useful tips and strategies learned called a "Golden Nuggets Quicksheet." Students will get to use their own genealogy during these writing and engagement exercises, meaning they can take their own work to the next step throughout the course.

The full schedule for this course, faculty bios, and course details can be found here.

Join us for SLIG 2022

Held January 9-14, 2022, in Salt Lake City, the 27th annual Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy promises the in-depth, advanced educational opportunities SLIG has become known for. SLIG offers high-intermediate to advanced education and includes courses on methodology, standards, regional or ethnic group research, recordsets, and research tools like DNA. Visit our website to view a full selection of available courses.

Learn more about SLIG 2022. Registration opens on August 14th, 2021, at 10:00 am MDT. Create a registration account today! If you have any questions, please reach out to the UGA registrar: registrar@slig.ugagenealogy.org.