Political Science 490

POSC 490
Capstone

Catalog Entry

POSC 490 – Capstone (AG; CG; IR; PA; PT; as designated) (WI)

Prerequisite: 30 hours in the Political Science major or permission of department chair.

Capstone course for Political Science majors. Topic may be in American Government, Public Administration, Political Thought, Public Law, Comparative Politics, or International Relations.  Coursework will involve completion of a major culminating project or writing assignment done individually or in teams.

Note(s): Applied Learning designated course. May be repeated as topics change.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

The purpose of this capstone is to provide an opportunity for students to bring together their study of Political Science and Public Administration by engaging in focused, deep study of an issue of timeless or contemporary relevance.  Topics might include authoritarianism, liberalism, democracy, nationalism, conservatism, or organizational theory.

Emphases in the course are developing students’ professional skills through execution of a major individual project in keeping with the topic of the course.  The course consciously works to develop students’ writing skills through an iterative writing process.

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

As a capstone seminar taught on a rotating basis by faculty, teaching style in the course will vary and may include lecture, discussion, in-class activities like small-group work, simulations, and negotiations.

Goals and Objectives of the CourseLearning Goals: 

1) To explore professional practice through the application of knowledge, skills, and critical reflection.  

2) Through instruction and feedback, students become more adept at producing appropriate and effective written work.  

Learning Outcomes:   

1. Students apply acquired knowledge and skills to develop professional identity or professional practice. 

2. Students critically reflect on their learning, abilities, experiences, or role within professional contexts 

3. Students demonstrate proficiency in the writing conventions of a discipline. 

4. Students communicate through writing their understanding of disciplinary content and/or texts. 

Assessment Measures

Class performance may be evaluated with class participation, exams, debates, simulations, negotiations, presentations, and a culminating project. 

Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
April 1998 Reviewed M.J. Franck, Dept. Chair

August 2020

March 01, 2021