September 6, 2018 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Third Floor Conference Room in the Pennsylvania Department
WPGS will offer one more series of Genetic Genealogy: Connecting Ancestry DNA Tests to Family Trees by Ray Jones starting on Thursday, Sept. 6. The five-session course features discussions and exercises to connect Ancestry DNA tests to family tree research. Genetic genealogy has grown in popularity over the past several years. Specifically, the Ancestry DNA test will soon have a database of more than 8 million testers, making it a valuable tool for genealogy research. Students should have a desire to build their own family trees and genealogy research using the Ancestry DNA test and be motivated to be active participants in discussions and exercises to help their classmates do the same.
The course will meet at 5:30 pm on Thursdays, September 6 through October 4, in the Third Floor Conference Room in the Pennsylvania Department at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Oakland branch. The course is $35 for members of WPGS and $50 for non-members. Registration is required and checks payable to Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society can be brought to the first class session. Please call 412-622-3154 to register. Instruction is sequential, so please plan to attend all five sessions.
The course has three objectives:
- Establish the critical distinction between a person’s genealogical family tree (from family stories, paper records, etc.) and genetic family tree (from ancestors who contributed to their DNA).
- Conduct an experience-based learning approach to genetic genealogy through a broad overview of the Ancestry DNA test and structured discussions and exercises.
- Develop a stewardship approach toward genetic genealogy to recognize and address ethical issues pertaining to access, disclosure, and privacy.
- There is no required textbook, but Blaine Bettinger’s The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy can be a supplemental resource to learn more about the science behind genetic genealogy.
About the Instructor
Ray Jones teaches introductory undergraduate courses in business ethics and organizational behavior as well as advanced undergraduate courses in gender and diversity in management and governance and management at the University of Pittsburgh. In the MBA Program, he teaches the required organizational behavior core course. He also teaches this genetic genealogy course at various venues in Western Pennsylvania.
