SSI 110W - Introduction to Genealogy

Credits: 1

Introduces and broadly examines genealogy from an interdisciplinary perspective. Examines family and ethnic history and pursues family history for personal and professional growth. Covers research methods, record keeping, and problem solving. Emphasizes the use of archival and printed sources, and the Internet. Credit may be earned in SSI 110W or IHU 110W but not in both.

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 15 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: Humanities, Social Science
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives

Access genealogical information by a variety of means including, but not limited to, computer networks, internet, databases, paper and electronic catalogs and indices, books, journals, people and organizations.
1. Navigate Ancestry Plus and Heritage Quest databases with a focus on retrieving and analyzing census records specifically.
2. Practice conducting searches on several websites that offer genealogical data and information.
  1. Evaluate the reliability and credibility of the information.
  2. Categorize and organize the information accessed.
  3. Interpret data.
  4. Synthesize information from a variety of sources.
3. Tour the LLIC genealogical resources at Delta College and Hoyt Public Library's Local History and Genealogy Collection in Saginaw, Michigan
4. Listen to a variety of experts who represent historical, ethinic, and/or genealogical societies and organizations in the area.
5. Learn appropriate citation methods to record source information in class assignments.
Identify and describe how genealogy can be an entry point into many fields of inquiry which can help create critical links into understanding our nation’s past.
1. Consider the age-old philosophical questions of identity: Who am I? How did I get here? Why am I here? and Where am I going?
2. Discuss death and dying and how you want to be remembered.
3. Locate ancestors in a historical, geographical, and social context.
4. State and explore how class, race, ethnicity, age, ability, religion, and gender mattered in historical documentation (i.e. census records, tombstone size and inscriptions, etc.)
Understand the global citizenship and diversity factor that makes up the individual, specifically and at large by examining the relationship of the individual and his/her culture to the rest of the world.
1. Discuss customs (i.e. social, religious, burial), belief systems, and family traditions.
2. Explore similarities and differences of many ethnic and family backgrounds and articulate how characteristics describe the broad human family.
3. Develop a multicultural awareness through reading, reflective thinking, and discussion
Develop an informal presentation
1. Prepare a short presentation and lead discussion during one class period.
2. Compose response papers as a tool to prepare for class discussion.
3. Participate in group discussions.