Capstone Research

What is Capstone?

Capstone (LIBS 440) is a senior-level Liberal Arts and Sciences course that is typically taken at the end of a student's undergraduate program. With the guidance of their instructor, students will produce a research paper with a complementary creative component that ties into their own art/design practice.

Prompt

The Capstone begins with an idea (topic) that is expanded into a question, from which you will develop and articulate a perspective or argument (thesis). You will explore your topic and thesis through a blend of writing and art/design.

For the written component, you will do research on the topic to write a paper. Your paper should have a clear thesis statement, reflecting your perspective or argument on the topic. You will also explore the topic through your own art/design. Both your creation and your researched writing should inform, reflect, and reinforce your topic and thesis. You will spend the entire semester exploring your topic, so whatever specific issue or subject matter you choose should deeply engage you.

Your instructor, the library staff, the SLC, and your peers are all happy to support you through this process. We look forward to seeing how your project unfolds!

Requirements

• Produce a research paper AND a creative project. These components should relate to one another.
• Your paper must be at least 2,250 words (roughly nine pages).
• Use at least six quality sources. These should be incorporated as in-text citations.
• Annotate at least four of your sources.
• MLA-style in-text citations and a Works Cited page.​​​​​​
• Make sure to appropriately cite all sources you refer to, including any visuals and your own artwork/creations.
• Presentation of the project during weeks 13–15.

Your topic and research plan must be approved by your instructor. To get credit for this course, you should submit at least three drafts of your work, both artistic and written, by the end of the semester.

Refer to your instructor's course page in the Nest for any additional requirements.

Information Literacy Rubric:

Past Examples

• A Product Design student researched and wrote about the lack of pockets in feminine clothing from a feminist perspective. She then created a pocket kit that people could buy to add pockets to their clothing. She designed the packaging and marketing.
• A Graphic Design student created a handmade meditation journal. She integrated research about how creative expression may relieve anxiety symptoms with documentation of her process of gathering and drawing flowers. The book included her drawings, dried flower samples, and writing. It seamlessly combined writing, research, and art.
• A combination of research, writing, and art articulated as a magazine, an infographic, a paper with embedded video, a website, etc.  

Using AI: What is permitted?

Liberal Arts and Sciences AI Statement for College Students and Faculty*

As members of an academic community, it is essential to recognize the distinction between educational and professional environments. In our educational spaces, we encourage you to embrace risks, explore the unexpected, and delve into the complexities of problem-solving. For example, engaging in hands-on experiences, such as drawing the human figure without technological assistance, fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges inherent in developing a skill.

While generative AI presents exciting opportunities, reliance on AI tools alone may hinder your ability to critically evaluate their effectiveness. To harness the true potential of AI as an empowering partner for your Liberal Arts and Sciences classes, it is vital to first cultivate independent thinking and problem-solving skills. Independent thought and problem-solving will enable you to use AI effectively as a tool to complement your creative process and critical thinking and to understand the potential limitations of generative AI. We encourage you to use AI as your helper, but it should not be used as your content creator.

AI tools are new to some of us, and better known to others. Our intention is not to stifle creativity but to nurture the responsible and effective use of AI tools, ultimately enhancing the learning experience for all. We welcome your participation in this ongoing conversation.

*This statement was developed in collaboration with six faculty members through numerous brainstorming sessions. AI was used to assist in the editing process.

AI Use for Capstone

You may not use any AI-generated writing or imagery in your paper unless given explicit approval by your instructor. This qualifies as plagiarism, which is a very serious infraction. Further, relying on AI-generated content means you are missing out on doing creative and critical original work.

However, it may be okay to use AI as a research tool. It may be used to explore your topic and the work of others. For example, you could enter your research question into an AI engine to see how it interprets it, which might offer direction for you to continue your own original research. If you do use AI, you must provide a proper citation.