Community-based Capstones
With the implementation of SAGES (Seminar Approach to General Education and Scholarship), all students will eventually be required to complete a capstone course.
The Center for Civic Engagement & Learning is interested in promoting community-based capstone projects that address agency priorities and community needs, while providing a substantive learning experience for the Case undergraduate student. CCEL can assist with the development of community-based capstones through its network of partner organizations and is currently recruiting proposals from local organizations. CCEL staff can also serve as mentors on capstone committees to work closely with the student, faculty member, and community partner throughout the capstone.
Capstone courses demonstrate the culmination of knowledge, initiative, problem-solving, and communication skills that students have acquired as Case undergraduates. These courses may vary widely in nature, as deemed appropriate for various disciplines by the department offering each course. There are, however, some unifying principles for all SAGES capstones. Across the university, SAGES capstones must include:
- Critical thinking on the part of the student.
- Clear goals with an appropriate plan of action.
- Regular oversight by the project adviser.
- Periodic reporting of progress.
- Regular writing (e.g. drafts, progress reports, critiques) throughout the project including a final written report which may be a thesis or equivalent document associated with the project or activity, (e.g., such pursuits as performance, experiment, live case analysis, or creative writing), as approved by the department of capstone origin.
- A public presentation at the Senior Capstone Fair, a conference, a performance, a public lecture, a teaching presentation, or other, as approved by the department of capstone origin.
Please contact CCEL to set up an appointment to discuss community-based capstone opportunities.
Community organizations interested in suggesting a potential capstone project at their agency are invited to complete a proposal form.