From Confusion to Conclusion

Coordinators Kimberly Powell and Harold Henderson, CG
 
When the research is over, what next? How do genealogists transorm the three-dimensional complexity of evidence into a coherent, understandable, written proof argument? This course will include both:
  • lectures and case studies demonstrating how published authors analyze, correlate, resolve contradictions, and write, and
  • workshops providing hands-on practice with a variety of tools and techniques for making data understandable in written form.
Coordinators: Kimberly Powell and Harold Henderson
Instructors:
Kimberly Powell
Harold Henderson
Bill Litchman
Thomas W. Jones
 
  • Introductions and Overview
  • How Writing Makes Us Better Problem-Solvers
  • Untangling the Knots: Practice with Analysis & Correlation
  • Using Spreadsheets to Bring Evidence to Life
  • Detachable Tools for Analysis and Correlation
  • From Tools to Prose: Communicating Analysis
  • Working with a Mind to Publication
  • Writing Up and Indirect-Evidence Case with No Conflicts
  • From Research to Final Product: Gathering Your Ancestor's Wits About You
  • Tools and Strategies for Resolving Conflicts
  • How an Almost-Unsolved Case Became an Award-Winning Article
  • Practice in Resolving Conflicts
  • Assembling and Structuring Your Argument for Logic and Understanding
  • Tools for Organizing Your Research and Writing
  • Writing Up Case Studies with Conflicts -- Sometimes Easier, Sometimes Not
  • Making Your Point: Proof Argument Workshop Part 1
  • Making Your Point: Proof Argument Workshop Part 2
  • Making Decisions: What to Include and How to Present It
  • Editing Proof Arguments, Your Own and Others'
  • Summary, Wrap-Up, and Where to Go From Here