ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN GENEALOGICAL STUDIES Introduction Target Audience Primary Faculty Entry Requirements Degree Requirements Course Descriptions Over the past decade, genealogy has increasingly become an international interest. Time magazine stated in its April 19, 1999 issue, "Genealogy is America’s latest obsession." To verify this, one has only to witness the avalanche of genealogy software, books and materials in bookstores and on the Internet. Genealogy websites are said to be the most visited websites on the Internet. In recent years, community colleges have mounted primary and advanced genealogy courses in their community education programs. Also, there has appeared an increasing number of associations offering genealogy courses of various levels at online. Cyndi’s List, a compilation of online genealogy sites currently boasts more than 200,000 links and is visited more than 2 million times per month. To obtain some of the flavor of people searching for ancestors, go to genealogy.com and surf through the surname message boards of people inquiring about ancestors. Each year over 800, 000 people visit the Mormon’s Family History Center in Salt Lake City and more than 160 million messages flowed in one month through Rootsweb, an "electronic trading post for genealogical information." The field of genealogy has becoming increasingly more professional. The Board of Certification of Genealogists sets forth standards for the certification of Genealogists. Presently, there are over 1, 000 members of the Association of Professional Genealogists. For those who wish to become professionals and skilled in teaching others, there are many institutes, online schools and associations with excellent genealogical programs. However, there are only a few institutions that offer academic credit for programs and Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, is the only institution awarding a full degree in genealogy. (Mills, 2001, 20). TARGET AUDIENCE The Associate of Arts in Genealogical Studies designed in association with the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. This program is designed for librarians, family historians, teachers, post secondary lecturers, curators/historians, researchers, and anyone seriously interested in tracing their family history/genealogy in detail. PROGRAM FACULTY LaWanna L. Blount, Ph.D. Program Director Dr. Blount has had a long career in education, and sociology. She was the founder and chair of the Master’s and Ph.D.Programs in Educational Administration and the Master’s Degree Program in Sociology at Greenwich University, a distance learning university ,of Norfolk Island , Australia. Previously she taught sociology at Connors State College, Muskogee, Oklahoma, and taught in the graduate program of Human Resource Management at Chapman University, Carlsbad, California. She taught at the Western Australian College of Advanced Education (Edith Cowan University), in Perth, Western Australia where she was also the founder and chair of the Master’s Degree Program in Educational Administration. She was a Research Officer and an Education Officer with the Technical Education Division in Perth, Western Australia, and an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management. Her early career was spent teaching in Venezuela and Libya for Exxon Corporation. Dr. Blount is currently interested in genealogical research. She has compiled and published two family history/genealogy books, is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and served as editor of the Muskogee County Genealogical Society Quarterly. She has presented papers and written many articles in education, educational administration, and genealogy. In 2006 she compiled Notable Women of Polk County, Texas, a book sponsored by the Polk County American Association of University Women,(AAUW). She owns and operates her Career and Educational Services business, and was Vice President, Research, for the Professional Résumé Writing and Research Association. Dr. Blount’s BS in Education is from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. Her M.S. in Educational Administration and her Ph.D. in Higher Educational Administration and Sociology are from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. John L. Laughlin, Ph.D. Dr. Laughlin received his doctoral degree in Humanistic Psychology from Fairfax University, Louisiana and his MS in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University, New York. He has many years of clinical experience in individual, group, couple and family psychotherapy. Dr. Laughlin has supervised graduate students from Adelphi, Columbia, Rutgers and Fordham Universities. He is also on the faculty of Westbrook University, New Mexico. For the past ten years he has conducted his own private practice in Glen Dale, Maryland. Dr. Laughlin is a Clinical Member of AAMFT, a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland, a Certified Doctoral Additions Counselor, and a Diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association. Dr. Laughlin is an author of many scholarly articles and a recent book entitled, Reading Thomas Merton: His Life and Works. Donald F. Logsdon, Jr., Ph.D. Dr. Logsdon received his Bachelor's degree in Biology from Northwestern University in 1961 and in 1963 received a commission in the USAF where he was on active duty until 1978. He completed the MS degree in Biology from Trinity University in 1970 and the Ph.D. in Zoology from Colorado State University in 1975. During his tenure with the USAF Dr. Logsdon served as a research scientist, manager and instructor, including five years at the USAF Academy as a Professor of Life Sciences. After leaving active duty in 1978, he became an administrator and instructor with Chapman University, while continuing as a reserve officer until 1988, when he retired as a Colonel. Since 1990, Dr. Logsdon has served as an educational consultant in private practice. He has also completed graduate degree studies in education, developmental psychology, school psychology, and human resource management and development, instructional leadership, management, public administration and business administration. Ruth Huffman Hine, Ph.D. Dr. Huffman Hine has spent forty years in the field of education, twenty-four of which were in designing and implementing programs in literacy, English as a Second Language and programs for high school completion. Serving as administrator of the school corporation's program, she collaborated with business and industry to design programs of instruction to encourage workers to be successful in their jobs. Dr. Huffman Hine is zealous in her desire to inspire adults to achieve an education so they can be successful in their life's pursuits. She holds a lifetime teaching certificate with a BS in Education from Butler University, Indianapolis; MA in Education from Indiana University, Bloomington; and a doctoral degree in Educational Administration from Greenwich University. She has served in leadership roles in adult education professional organizations, and has provided direction in training volunteer tutors. Dr. Huffman Hine is presently doing research for a publication in adult education. William F. Bellais, Ed.D. The Very Rev'd Dr. Bellais earned degrees at New Mexico State University including the BA in History (1960); MA in Counseling Psychology (1980); and Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration and Educational Psychology (1988). During his twenty-year military career, Dr. Bellais developed and taught courses at Army and naval Schools. He worked as a counselor at New Mexico State University and taught courses in psychology, sociology, and religion at Kemper Military School and College, Boonville, Missouri. Dr. Bellais is a priest in the Episcopal Church USA and Rector of Grace Church in Chillicothe, Missouri. He earned a certificate in Theological Studies in the Diocese of the Rio Grande and was ordained based upon completion of the General Ordination Examination of the Board of Examining Chaplains of the Episcopal Church. In addition to parish duties, Dr. Bellais also serves as Dean of the Northern Deanery in the Diocese of West Missouri. Dr. Bellais also serves as an adjunct instructor with North Central Missouri College in Trenton, Missouri teaching introduction to the humanities. Andrew Flaxman, MBA Prof. Flaxman is the Director of Educate Yourself for Tomorrow, a Liberal Arts self-study program. Leaving a successful Wall Street career in 1980, he organized the faculty to create the curriculum and guides to promote self-knowledge through literature, art and music. Mr. Flaxman wrote introductory material on history, politics and economics and offered the program through home study and seminars. In 2000 he established a website at www.onlinehumanities.com to make the courses available through the Internet. This guided approach to Liberal Arts is unified by the ancient advice to "Know Thyself." The word "Liberal" has the same root as "Liberate." Liberal Arts should be the study of what leads to freedom, as in "The truth shall set you free." The self-knowledge theme of this course of study enables students to think deeper and more clearly. This inspirational approach, beyond the purely intellectual, is used to bring deeper purpose and meaning to the Humanities. Flaxman conducts seminars in the courses through Berkshire Community College and Berkshire Institute for Lifetime Learning in Great Barrington, MA. He has had a varied career as a social studies teacher for emotionally disturbed adolescents, as a publisher of philosophical and educational materials, and as an investment broker. His publications include Learning from History, (Gifted Education Press of Virginia), 1990; The Open "I"; Humanities Education (University of Minnesota), 1991; The Extra Senses in Our Perception, Thresholds Quarterly, May, 1999; The Bhagavad Gita and Self Education, Thresholds Quarterly, Winter, 2000; and The Open "I" (revised), Chrysalis Reader, 2001. Flaxman earned his MBA from Rutgers University and graduated from Princeton University, cum laude in history. Return to Top ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Students seeking entry to the Associate Degree in Genealogical Studies must have a high school diploma or equivalent and two or more years of independent career work in genealogy studies. Return to Top DEGREE REQUIREMENTS The Associate of Arts in Genealogy Studies requires a minimum of 60 credits including general education, genealogical studies, and electives, as outlined below: General Education(Required: 21 credits) Genealogical Studies(Required: 30 credits) Electives (Required: 9 credits) General Education The purpose of the General Education requirement is to ensure the understandings, essential skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for intellectual growth and professional development. This array of courses is typical of the first two years of college within American Universities. General Education (21 credits, as outlined below) ASC 101: English Composition (3 credits) ASC 102: Developing Social Communication Skills (3 credits ASC 103: English Literature (3 credits) ASC 111: History of the United States I (3 credits) ASC 112: History of the United States II (3 credits) ASC 112: United States Government (3 credits) ASC 120: Introduction to Sociology (3 credits) ASC 130: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits) ASC 140: Basic Mathematics (3 credits) ASC 141: Introduction to Life Sciences (3 credits) Genealogical Studies Several Genealogical and Historical organizations conduct quality programs that are eligible for transfer credit at Akamai, satisfying the credit requirements for the major field. Genealogy methods courses are eligible for transfer from the following reputable schools and institutes: Samford University Brigham Young University National Genealogical Society University of Washington-Seattle Genealogy.Com University Ancestry.Com Other Transfer Opportunities Samford University Samford University's Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR)located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama holds week long residential courses each summer in June. Participants may enroll for a number of week long one-credit genealogical studies courses. To receive credit in transfer to Akamai University, participants are required to prepare a credit transfer submission including the exact title of the course, the name, title and qualifications of the instructor, and provide a validated enrollment receipt. For credit to be award in transfer, participants must also prepare and submit a post-course scholarly paper of at least 2,500 words reflecting upon the learning obtained from the course, a review of readings. If transferring a workshop, participants must submit a project illustrating the work completed along with a descriptive paper of the basic learning of the course. Either submission for transfer will be evaluated by a faculty panel. ...More Information Brigham Young University The Brigham Young University Center for Family History and Genealogy conducts a certificate program leading to an 18-credit Family History Certificate. To receive credit in transfer to Akamai University, participants are required to to submit a copy of the certificate course requirements, copies of papers completed in the program, and a formal transcript. ...More Information National Genealogical Society The National Genealogical Society, Arlington, Virginia, conducts a DETC accredited home study course in American Genealogy. Akamai University awards 18 credits in transfer of the completed program. To receive credit in transfer to Akamai University, participants are required to submit their papers and projects from the program and the syllabi for each course. The basic online course of 6 lessons should be taken if participants have no prior basic genealogy work. ...More Information University of Washington-Seattle UW at Seatle conducts an Extension Certificate Program in Genealogy and Family History. The program focuses upon the following three classes: Genealogy and Family History, Research Sources and Strategies, and Research Seminar in Genealogy and Family History. The centerpiece of the program is a family history project. Classes meet one evening per week on the UW campus in Seattle. Akamai University awards 3 credits in transfer of the completed certificate program, one credit per course. To receive credit in transfer to Akamai University, participants are required to submit their projects from the certificate program, the syllabi for each course, and a formal transcript. ...More Information Genealogy.com University Genealogy.Com University offers three free online genealogy classes. These dynamic classes include beginning genealogy, internet genealogy, and tracing immigrant origins. Students who wish transfer credit to Akamai university must have successfully participated in all parts of any of the three areas of study. Three credits are awarded for successful completion of any of the three online courses. To receive credit in transfer to Akamai University, participants are required to submit formal verification of satisfactory completion of any course or courses. These online classes are designed by Genealogy Research Associates. ...More Information Ancestry.Com The Learning Center at Ancestry.Com has joined with Norwich University Vermount College in conducting online seminars entitled Learn Family History. Credit is awarded for successful completion of any of the online courses according to the credit award at Norwich University. To receive credit in transfer to Akamai University, participants are required to to submit a copy of the course requirements, copies of papers or projects completed in the course, and a formal transcript. ...More Information Other Transfer Opportunities Many other Genealogical Societies and Chapters sponsor courses and programs. any Genealogical and Historical Societies have yearly seminars and courses in genealogy and family history. Participants wishing to transfer a particular society or association course or program not listed above should petition the Program Director for approval. The petition should include the title and duration of the course or seminar, the name and qualifications of the instructor and sponsoring organization. The petition should be accompanied by a scholarly paper or project report describing the learnings from a follow-up project. To submit a petition for credit transfer, contact the Program Director ...Send email to the Program Director ELECTIVES Elective courses may be selected from the Center for Education and Literacy or elsewhere at Akamai University. the begin selection of electives at Akamai, start your search at the following web pages: Education and Literacy Continuing and Professional Education Applied Psychology and Human Services Business and Economic Development Ecological and Environmental Studies Health and Wellness Sustainability Studies Transpersonal and Consciousness Studies Return to Top COURSE DESCRIPTIONS General Education Additional Descriptions General Education Courses ASC 101: English Composition (3 credits) How do we go about composing something worthwhile? What makes a novel a great work of art? One way of judging the quality of a book is to notice how truth is expressed concerning all three levels of reality; the physical, the psychic – which includes the emotional and the intellectual – and the spiritual. Whereas we have become familiar with the physical, emotional and intellectual aspects of life, how do we discriminate spiritual values? If a novel lacks or confuses them, the work will not be accepted as great art. This course compares and contrasts two somewhat autobiographical novels of spiritual seeking and considers their artistic merits. One, The Razor's Edge, by W. Somerset Maugham, was a best seller a half century ago, was made into two movies and remains popular today. The other, The Last Barrier, by Reshad Feild, is a contemporary novel by a Sufi master. The student is asked to judge the merits of these novels from both artistic and philosophical points of view by composing an original work. The main thrust of the course, however, will be on improving writing ability.( Author and Instructor: Mr. Andrew Flaxman) ASC 102: Developing Social Communication Skills (3 credits) This course looks at fundamental, unique, and key attributes of human communication processes and behavior including skills for understanding, connecting, and facilitating discourse with others in diverse social contexts. Specific social assessments, readings, and project activities will be discussed with the student to enhance understanding and use of communication and formal presentation skills as related to career interests of students. NOTE: Developed from SPS 504 (Instructor: To be assigned) ASC 103: English Literature: Why try reading Shakespeare today? (3 credits) Why try reading Shakespeare today? If we are looking to be entertained, far easier forms are available elsewhere. Yet Shakespeare’s works have appealed to many different people for many generations. The purpose of this lesson is to help the reader to appreciate Shakespeare’s comprehension of the dramatic nature of life and its infinite possibilities. If, as he said, “the world is a stage and we are its players,” then we can see the progression throughout history of men and women as having each taken their turns in the limelight of this grand stage. If one views the world in this way, it might follow that the history of the theater would mirror our evolution. Looking at Shakespeare’s work in a historical framework would then enable us to apply the meaning of his sometimes difficult plays to our own life and times. Students will read and/or view King Lear, Hamlet and The Tempest and relate these plays to various levels of self- knowledge. Special emphasis will be placed on insights found in the tragedy of King Lear so that we may avoid such an outcome for ourselves. Questions and thoughts follow the course guide which requires written responses. This course requires no prior learning. (Author and Instructor: Mr. Andrew Flaxman) ASC 111: History of the United States I (3 credits) This course is designed for students to review the History of the United States from the colonial period to Civil War, through the reconstruction period. Specific areas of student interests and needs will be addressed. Students will be required to write a paper of a specific event or topic of interest using at least three references in addition to their textbook. A reading list will be distributed. (Instructor: Dr. William Bellais) ASC 112: History of the United States II (3 credits) This course is designed for students to review the History of the United States from the Reconstruction to present time. Specific areas of student interests will be addressed. Students will be required to write a paper of a specific event or topic in the period above using at least three references in addition to their textbook. A reading list will be distributed. (Instructor: Dr. William Bellais) ASC 113: United States Government (3 credits) This is a basic course of the workings and power of the three branches of the United States Government; the executive, the legislative and the judicial. The powers of each branch and their roles and responsibilities will be addressed. Issues relating to each branch will be discussed. Students will be expected to write a major paper on a topic of interest. (Instructor to be assigned) ASC 120: Introduction to Sociology: Understanding Society, Groups, and Social Relationships (3 credits) This course aims to increase the student's awareness and understanding of sociological perspectives, concepts, processes, and relationships in the study of how a given society functions, survives, and changes. Students will examine how cultural values, age, gender, social class, socialization processes, role expectations, technology, community, group, and individual behavior influence life-style and every day life experiences. Individualized student objectives and assignments may focus on how sociological study can enhance one's genealogical career and broaden an understanding of the past. How do societal traditions, kinship ties, sentiments, ideals, written records, prejudices, and conflicts persist in meaningful relationships and events today, and which ones point to social innovations and prospective changes in the future? (Instructor: Dr. Ruth Huffman-Hine) ASC 130: Introduction to Psychology: Understanding Self, Personality, and Human Behavior (3 credits) This broad based course will give the student a comprehensive overview of Psychology, including research methods, the historical roots and current issues in psychology, the function of the brain in mental health and illness, learning theory and intelligence, developmental issues, psychological disorders and psychotherapies. (Author and Instructor: Dr. John Laughlin) ASC 140: Basic Mathematics (3 credits) This course focuses on as foundational understanding of basic mathematics principles, including arithmetic, decimals, fractions, percentages, linear equations with one and two variables, and simple geometry. (Author and Instructor: Dr. Donald Logsdon) ASC 141: Introduction to Life Sciences (3 credits) This course is designed for the non-science major and will examine life from the simple to the complex and from the conceptual to the specific. This course will apply biological concepts to relevant issues from the beginning of cells through the dynamics of Earth’s ecosystems. The topics include cells, inheritance, evolution, and ecology. (Author and Instructor: Dr. Donald Logsdon). Return to Top Additional Descriptions Under Development Return to Top