LASS 4880 - General Studies Capstone
Summer 2026 Syllabus, Section 02, CRN 31164,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Kyle Starkey
Professional Qualifications:
PhD, History, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Master’s, History, Youngstown State University
Bachelor’s, History & German, Allegheny College
Senior Lecturer/Assessment Coordinator
Email: ktstarkey@ysu.edu
Office: DeBartolo 536
Office Phone: 330-941-3458
Preferred Contact Method: Email or support hours
Communication Expectations:
I will respond to emails within 24 hours (unless there are extenuating circumstances). If I do not respond, please resend immediately!
How to Refer to me:
Professor or Dr. Starkey (Pronouns – he/him)
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Course Description
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 in 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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Course Schedule
| 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.