Monterey Peninsula College is now accepting registration for three genealogy courses taught by Karen Clifford, AG, for the Spring 2013 term. The session runs February 3 through May 30, 2013.
Courses are offered through the Library Services Department and are part of a four-course program in Family Research Studies. Monterey Peninsula College is one of the only two institutions of higher education offering online courses in Genealogy. Each class is three units and meets once a week for one semester. California residents pay $46 per unit; non-residents pay an additional $179 per unit. This is a real bargain for California students.
I have taken both Genealogy 1 and 2 through MPC Online Studies, and highly recommend the program for anyone looking for a solid foundation in genealogy research or for a helpful refresher. Genealogy 1 (LIB60) is a general introduction to genealogical research, and Genealogy 2 (LIB61) continues with an introduction to basic record groups. Each class required discussion, weekly reading, and assignments. The instructor feedback is a great way to learn if you analyzing information effectively and seeking logical sources.
Karen Clifford has been teaching the series at MPC for several years and also presented a popular organizing webinar for the Legacy FamilyTree series. She’s also the creator of the genealogy paper filing system detailed at www.FileYourPapers.com. Read student testimonials about the MPC courses here.
The spring genealogy program includes:
LIB60 Genealogy 1: This online course introduces students to family history research methods and sources (1850-present), including basic Internet and library sources as well as research methodologies for locating ancestors. Students are taught fundamental organization skills for preserving family materials by assembling a family history archival notebook using a genealogy computer program. Basic knowledge of computers and the Internet is recommended.
LIB61 Genealogy 2: This online course helps students find their families by applying new methodologies for searching and analyzing genealogy’s primary record groups for the 18th and 19th centuries: census, tax, probate, land, property, newspaper, biography, and military records, as well as learning how to read the handwriting of the period, focusing on the years 1750-1850 while using Internet, traditional, archival and specialty library resources. Students should complete LIB60 prior to taking this class.
LIB62 Genealogy 3: This online course covers advanced genealogy research methods, as well as Internet, traditional and specialty library sources, federal records, and unique ethnic sources in order to research foreign records and resources. Included are methodologies focused on extending family lines beyond the U.S. to the countries of origin for the students’ ancestors. Students should complete LIB60 and LIB61 prior to taking this class.
If you would like to learn more about the courses offered or to register for 2013 Spring Courses, please use the following link: https://webreg.mpc.edu/SR_ScheduleOfClasses.aspx?Mode=text&TermID=20133&CourseDiscipline=LIBR
Karen Clifford, is an Accredited Genealogist Professional (AG), and a Fellow of the Utah Genealogical Association (FUGA). She is President/CEO of Genealogy Research Associates, Inc. www.GRAonline.com; and a part-time faculty member, Distance Education Instructor, in Family History Studies, under the Library Department at Monterey Peninsula College. She has authored 7 college textbooks on genealogy and credentialing in genealogy, and numerous family histories. She serves as Co-Chair of the Testing Committee of the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (one of the two major credentialing bodies for genealogists in the United States see www.ICAPGen.org). She served 10 years on the board of the Federation of Genealogical Societies, and was the founding President of the Monterey County (CA) Genealogy Society. Karen was the Director of the Monterey California Family History Center for ten years.
You can also contact Karen Clifford for more information at karenmpc (at) aol (dot) com.
When I attended these courses (2005-2006), there were 4 of them and I took all 4. You are right Denise, these classes provided me with a solid foundation. The classes are entirely online set in a virtual classroom like atmosphere. Lots of interaction with other students and Karen Clifford. I also highly recommend these courses.