Capstone in Humanities
This advanced program supports student senior thesis and capstone project work. Mandatory program meetings and readings in theory, research design and methodology provide a common scaffolding as students work on their independent research, writing and other projects in the humanities, social sciences and related fields. Students may incorporate independent language study or other specific skill acquisition into their senior project, based on their individual needs. Credit equivalencies will be based on each student's individual project and the knowledge they acquire; possible focus for projects includes interdisciplinary work in history, art history, literature, philosophy, gender studies, ethnic studies, cultural studies and the performing arts, sociology, ethnography, religious studies, languages and related fields.
Our approach will emphasize participation in synchronous (live) sessions; however, if students find themselves unable to participate due to technology problems, caregiving obligations, economic disruption, health risk, or illness, they can work with faculty to pursue alternate options to earn related credit.
Registration
This program is for students with a substantive background in at least one corner of the humanities and/or social sciences, broadly conceived (in history, art history, literature, philosophy, gender studies, ethnic studies, cultural studies and the performing arts, sociology, ethnography, religious studies, languages and related fields).
The first week of the program will involve preparing, workshopping, reviewing, and then refining and submitting an application to have your project approved as a capstone. Each project application must demonstrate that (1) you’ve done at least 16 credits of interdisciplinary study, and (2) that you have already developed at least intermediate level reading, writing, and critical thinking skills in the areas you are proposing for advanced study.
Students who have successfully completed a substantial self-directed individual or collaborative project will be especially well-prepared for this program. All projects will designate a central focus and also include some support learning or define and engage with an “adjacent” area. Some examples include language learning, creative practice, experimental critical and creative research, or depth knowledge of a specific theory or methodology. The balance between these two will be determined in cooperation, and with final approval from, the faculty.
Course Reference Numbers
Academic details
humanities, social sciences, law, journalism, public service, teaching