Genealogy Studies Program

Requirements

Suggested Qualifications – Genealogical Principles

  • Serious students who are new to the field of genealogy
  • Hobbyists and enthusiasts who would like more formal training
  • Has conducted research on Ancestry.com
  • Subscribers and regular users of sites such as FindMyPast, FamilySearch, Newspapers.com, GenealogyBank, genealogical society membership databases, etc.
  • Researchers with limited on-site experience such as applying for a record (e.g. filling out a form)

Suggested Qualifications – Certificate in Genealogical Research

  • Practicing genealogical researchers with more advanced knowledge of the field
  • Students who have completed the Genealogical Principles Course and have applied those skills after the conclusion of the course (strongly recommended)
  • Professional genealogists looking to advance their careers
  • Subscribers and regular users of sites such as FindMyPast, FamilySearch, genealogical society membership databases, etc.
  • Researchers with on-site experience at libraries, archives, repositories – meaning that you have used microfilm, touched original records, gone through record books, etc.

Technological Requirements

To successfully function in our online environment, students must possess basic computer skills and a recent version of Microsoft Word. Students will be expected to perform tasks such as:

  • Using Word to save documents, create and insert tables, and create and insert footnotes
  • Submitting all assignments in a .doc or .docx format
  • Navigating the internet
  • Uploading documents

The teaching staff does not teach computer skills. Fluent use of the computer and word processor is the student’s responsibility. Students must review the technical requirements for the course prior to the program start date (ideally prior to registration) to ensure that their computer is compatible with all the technical requirements of Blackboard Learn. To learn more about the necessary system requirements and what to expect from an online course, click here.

Accessing online courses requires a high-speed internet connection, as the online learning interface for the program (Blackboard Learn) will not function effectively using a dial-up line. The program can run on either a Mac or PC, but we advise that students do not attempt to complete coursework on a tablet alone. The Blackboard system does not allow students to submit assignments or take exams (among other functions) from a tablet environment.

The program will not run with the Norton AntiVirus Software. Students must either disengage Norton while running the online program or delete Norton from their computer and install McAfee AntiVirus Software.

Computer access issues and/or technology failures do not excuse a student from any aspect of the program and is not sufficient justification for dropping the program.

Workload and Time Commitment

Boston University’s Genealogy Studies courses are designed for the adult learner. The modules within each course open and close so that you progress, as a cohort, on schedule with the rest of your group. During each module, you will be reading course content, reading outside assignments, responding to online discussion questions, and completing written assignments.

Consistent attention to the course material, even in an online format, is key. Each week students will be provided with some form of learning assessment (quizzes, papers, tests, discussions, etc.) on the course content. These assessments must be completed on or before the last day of that module; there are no exceptions. Modules close according to a schedule and cannot be extended. Vacation and other planned events, as well as unplanned events/circumstances, do not excuse students from their coursework; students must complete all work in each module while that module is open. Modules cannot be retaken and/or extended for any reason. We recommend that students print the module content at the beginning of each module for future reference.

Orientation

One week prior to starting your class, you will be given access to an Orientation to introduce you to navigating the learning management system. You will learn to navigate through the features of Blackboard including documents, uploads, assignments, and discussion boards.