Academy 2022 Courses

Writing and Documenting for Peer Review

Karen Mauer Jones, CG, FGBS, FUGA

Peer review is an essential element of every academic pursuit, including genealogy. The vetting of articles and other work products ensures that the author or applicant is conforming to standards dictated by that discipline. Within the field of genealogy, our scholarly journals present peer-reviewed written work adhering to best practices and genealogy standards. Peer reviewers/judges for our credentialing bodies—the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) and the International Commission for the Accreditation of Genealogists (ICAPGen)—determine whether our knowledge, our analysis, and final products demonstrate consistent high-quality work. Study groups and writing groups present us with opportunities to act as peer reviewers ourselves. This course will examine the peer-review system from several angles, arming students with the tools and knowledge they need to achieve success.

You're Invited: Public Speaking from Concept to Delivery

D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS

The ability to transform an initial concept to a full-fledged presentation delivered in front of an audience might seem like a daunting adventure for many professionals. This interactive course is ideal for existing speakers seeking to brush up on their skills and expand their portfolios and anyone seeking to explore how public speaking might align with their aspirations.

This intensive week explores key components of public speaking for genealogists: the “business of speaking,” outlining contracts, pricing, legal considerations, and marketing techniques; “knowing your audience,” focusing on crafting an array of presentations, keeping lectures current, and answering conference proposal requests; “development,” including details on developing handouts, slide presentations, and other visuals; and “delivery,” centered on finding a speaking style, avoiding pitfalls, structuring your presentations, and the opportunity to present two “mini-sessions” to solicit feedback and advice from fellow students and course instructors.

A variety of speaking opportunities will be discussed, including traditional one-hour sessions, seminars, workshops, webinars, institute courses, public programming, continued education courses, and national and regional conferences.

Teaching Genealogy Classes in Your Community

Katherine R. Willson

This course will enable advanced genealogists to establish genealogical education classes in their communities by providing instruction and resources to assist them with course design, venue location, financial planning, marketing, and effective instruction and communication styles.

Beyond Fundamentals: Hands-On Forensic Genealogy

Catherine B. W. Desmarais, CG

This course is designed for students who understand the fundamental methodology of forensic genealogy work and wish to gain experience and confidence by practicing real-life cases. The entire week will be “hands-on.” Students will work through probate, real estate, and other case scenarios individually and collaboratively. We’ll add some friendly competition by interspersing quick questions in a lightening round format and close with a game show!

The Art of Writing Client Reports

Angela Packer McGhie, CG, FUGA