Senior Capstone
ENG 4990
FAQ
Who takes the Capstone?
The Capstone is a one-hour required course for all English & English with a Writing Emphasis majors. English Education majors do not complete a Capstone.
What is the Capstone?
The Capstone project integrates the knowledge & skills you've acquired in your career as an English major. It's the culminating experience of your coursework & is designed to allow you to explore & showcase your talents & interests. You will present the results of your project to the English faculty & to your student colleagues at the end of the semester.
Who will I work with?
You will choose your project's area of investigation & be assigned a single faculty member with whom to collaborate independently. The faculty Capstone Coordinator will be assigned to you in consultation with the EHL department chair. The chair's decision to assign a Coordinator will be based on best matching the student's interests with the appropriate Coordinator's areas of expertise.
What can I do for my Capstone project?
You can explore a new topic of interest or revisit & expand upon a project you've completed in previous coursework. Innovative projects are encouraged. Below are some possibilities…
A scholarly essay on a literary, linguistic, or cultural topic
A creative project of poetry, fiction, drama, or a screenplay
A work of creative nonfiction (personal essay, etc.)
A technical document relevant to a career or professional organization
A multimedia document (website, etc.)
A short video documentary
How long does the Capstone project have to be?
If it’s a scholarly essay it should be a minimum of 10 pages & include a minimum of 10 academic sources. If the Capstone involves another format then the type & quantity of work will be determined by the Coordinator.
When do I take the Capstone?
Typically students will complete the Capstone during the semester they plan to graduate. There is, however, some flexibility as to scheduling.
When & how do I enroll?
Registration for the Capstone is by permission only. You will first consult with the department chair, with whom you will discuss options, requirements, procedures, & possible faculty Coordinators for your project.
It is highly recommended that you begin the process during the semester before you intend to enroll in the Capstone.
What is the Capstone Presentation?
Your Capstone Presentation will be scheduled for a fifty-minute period during the last two class weeks of the semester. Your Presentation is limited to 20 - 30 minutes, after which there will be a short discussion session. The format of the Presentation will be determined by your Coordinator. All faculty & students are invited to attend.
How am I graded? Will I be graded on my project or my Presentation?
The grading procedures are at the discretion of the Coordinator.
How many times do I confer with my Coordinator during the Capstone semester?
Once a week.
Can I confer with my Coordinator online?
At your Coordinator's discretion, you can meet with your Coordinator either in person, through email, or in some combination.