College of Fine Arts School of Dance Undergraduate Handbook

Capstone Course (DRAM 4803)

Course Description

An advanced, individual or group project that demonstrates mastery of skills and knowledge in the student’s area of interest selected under advisement and guided by the appropriate faculty member(s).  Taken in the senior year, the course requires submission of a final written document detailing the research, historical background and creative work involved in the actual capstone project.  The document should also contain an evaluative component requiring the student to examine her/his work from an objective perspective.  The School of Drama considers the document a “mini-thesis” to be submitted in appropriate research paper format. Capstone class will meet once a month (date and time to be determined each semester).  Attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to follow parameters established in the course syllabus.

Course objectives

  1. To undertake a practical or scholarly theatre project that requires synthesis and application of the major learning outcomes expected in the student’s area of emphasis.
  1. To acquire the ability to complete a major creative or scholarly theatre project independently.
  1. To demonstrate mastery of writing skills through an evaluative research paper (mini-thesis) that documents the capstone project.

Methodology

  1. Selection of appropriate project through individual advisement in the senior year, including submission of a proposal deemed acceptable by instructor and project advisor.
  3. Conduct appropriate and advised research.
  5. Regular meetings with the project advisor to report progress and discuss problems.
  7. A proposal to include an outline of the project listing objectives, timetable and work schedule. See guidelines below.
  9. Development of a regular journal of the project.
  11. Public presentation of the project and faculty evaluation.
  13. Submission and evaluation of written support document (mini-thesis).

Guidelines for Capstone Proposal

  1. This outline provides a framework for your Capstone Proposal.  It lists the sections that the proposal should include as well as a brief description of each of the parts.  It should be submitted no later than the third week of the semester in which you plan to complete your project.
  3. Description.  A brief description of the project you plan to undertake performance, direction of a show, research project, etc. No more than 1-2 sentences.
  5. Purpose.  Introduce your reasons for choosing this project topic.  What is your background and preparation for the project?  What do you hope to achieve with the completion of the topic? (1-2 paragraphs.)
  7. Project plan.  State the steps you will undertake to complete the project.  (Keep in mind those required by the Capstone course.) These will vary depending upon the type of project you choose but they should include:  research and writing, rehearsal, performance/public presentation, written evaluation.  This section should also include a detailed breakdown of your activities during the semester, including a timetable with deadlines for completion. (3-4 pages)
  9. Format.  Your plan should be typewritten, free of typographical and grammatical errors.
  11. After revision and approval by your advisor and course instructor, this plan will serve as a contract that will govern the completion of your project.  Failure to complete any portion of the approved project will result in a grade reduction and/or failure of the course.