LASS 4880 - General Studies Capstone
Summer 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 30306,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Kyle Starkey
Email: ktstarkey@ysu.edu
Course Description
4880. General Studies Capstone. Practical learning within the primary concentration area. May be an internship, field experience or scholarly thesis. The capstone experience must be approved by the student's general studies advisor or committee. Prereq.: Completion of 20 s.h. in the primary concentration area and consent of the advisor. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Syllabus | Kyle Starkey | |
| Required | Understanding the Capstone Experience | McGill | |
| Required | NACE Competency Website | NACE | |
| Required | TedTalk - The Capstone Project | Jenn Poggi | |
| Required | Research Paper Planner: Guide | Baylor University | |
| Required | How to Write a Research Methodology for Your Academic Article | Expert Journals | |
| Required | The Role of Interdisciplinary Studies of Liberal Arts | William H. Newell | |
| Required | The Purpose of Education | Noam Chomsky |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/11 | Syllabus | Introduction(s) & Exploring BGS | Pre-Assessment Form (Due: 05/17) |
| 5/18 | McGill – “Understanding the Capstone Experience...” NACE Website Jenn Poggi – The Capstone Project | Understanding the Capstone | No Assignments Due! |
| 5/25 | NACE Website | Building an Argument | Discussion #1 (Due: 05/31) Career Readiness & Competency Reflection (Due: 05/31) |
| 6/1 | “Writing a Research Paper” “Conducting Research” | The Right Source Material | Discussion #2 (Due: 06/07) |
| 6/8 | No Readings! | The Larger Discussion | Paper Topic Assignment (Due: 06/14) |
| 6/15 | "How to Write a Methodology" | What is a Methodology? | Discussion #3 (Due: 06/21) |
| 6/22 | “Qualitative vs. Quantitative vs. Mixed Methods” “Research Methods” | Implementing a Methodology | No Assignments Due! |
| 6/29 | “Role of Interdisciplinary Studies” Noam Chomsky’s “Purpose of Education” | Finding the Balance | Discussion #4 (Due: 07/05) |
| 7/6 | Review Purdue OWL Site | Citation Format(s) | Research Proposal w/ Annotated Bibliography (Due: 07/12) |
| 7/13 | “Careers You Can Build With an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree” | Networking a BGS Degree | No Assignments Due! |
| 7/20 | “Interdisciplinary Learning: The Future of Higher Education” | Interviews & Networking | Discussion #5 (Due: 07/26) |
| 7/27 | No Readings! | Presentation Module (Pt.1) | Project Presentation, Pt.1 (Due: 08/02) |
| 8/3 | No Readings! | Presentation Module (Pt.2) | Project Presentation, Pt.2 (Due: 08/09) |
| 8/10 | No Readings! | Submit Capstone Project & Exit Interview Form! | Submit all work by – 08/14 |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.