General Studies, Arts & Sciences and Applied Studies (GSAS) 405

Overview

A capstone course is the culminating event of a course of study, usually taken at the end of a program. It provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate all that has been learned in the program. Capstone experiences are superior examples of engagement through the integration of learning, knowledge, and application.

Capstone courses promote:

• Coherence among a variety of course materials
• Integration and connection between electives, options, and majors
• Synthesis of thought
• Development of organizational skills and critical thinking
• Integration of personal reflection and experiences into the curriculum
• Preparation for future study
• Effective planning strategies for life, work, and study

Because this course is intended to demonstrate all the learning outcomes in the Bachelor of General Studies degree, professor approval will only be given when the student has completed all other courses, or if the course is taken concurrently with no more than three other final courses to complete their degree. GSAS 405 is intended as a final course in the student's program.

Learning outcomes

Upon the completion of GSAS 405, you should be able to

1. Demonstrate integrative learning from your major coursework to address real-world problems, illustrating the ability to summarize information and develop practical solutions.
2. Evaluate your own learning experiences to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and areas for continued growth and adaptation to change.
3. Appraise the limitations of your own knowledge and expertise, demonstrating an awareness of the need for ongoing learning and the value of multiple, and intersectioning, approaches.
4. Communicate your findings, insights, and ideas effectively through a variety of relevant formats tailored to various communities and audiences.

Successful completion of this course will demonstrate that you have

• achieved mastery of the course’s objectives.
• met the expectations of the learning outcomes defined by the program's area of designation.
• engaged in the active critical analysis, integration, and synthesis of your area of concentration (e.g., Arts & Sciences or Applied Studies) as part of the completion of your degree program.
• disseminated evidence of your learning to several audiences such as your tutor, peers, and any other parties identified by you and as suits your goals for career advancement, further education, and personal and professional development.

Outline

GSAS 405 covers nine modules over three parts:

Part 1 – Preparation

• Module 1 – Journalling, Planning, and e-Portfolio
• Module 2 – Program Learning Outcomes and Employability Skills Review
• Module 3 – Community Service-Learning Practicum Proposal

Part 2 – Integration

• Module 4 – Community Service-Learning Practicum
• Module 5 – Mid-Point Progress Report
• Module 6 – Final Presentation or Report

Part 3 – Reflection

• Module 7 – Self-Reflection on the Processes
• Module 8 – Synthesis of Learning
• Module 9 – Gap Analysis and Completion of Journal and e-Portfolio

Evaluation

To receive credit for GSAS 405, students must complete all course activities and assessments and achieve a minimum overall grade of D (50 percent).

Students will be evaluated on their understanding of the concepts presented in the course and on their ability to apply those concepts. The final grade in the course will be based on the marks achieved for the following activities.

Materials

Important links

• Academic advising
• Program planning
• Request assistance
• Support services at AU