Senior Capstone
Women’s and Gender Studies BA and BS students have the unique opportunity to complete a senior capstone course as part of our major. Students must choose from taking 3 credits of WGST 484, our internship course, 3 credits of 485 Directed Study, or WGST 491 Research.
Internship: Students complete approximately 120 hours of work at an internship site over the course of the semester. WGST students have interned at places focused on women’s rights, gender, and sexuality, including local organizations like the Sexual Assault Resource Center and Phoebe’s House. You can find more information about internships here.
Directed Study: Students engage in reading and writing on a topic of interest to them. Directed study experiences allow a student to expand their knowledge of a specific area with faculty guidance. Specific deliverables for the course (such as a research paper or annotated bibliography) are agreed upon by the student and faculty supervisor.
Research: Students work with a faculty member on a faculty member’s research project. Again, specific deliverables for the course (such as a research paper or annotated bibliography) are agreed upon by the student and faculty supervisor.
Process
Students should begin planning for their capstone a semester in advance. Finding an internship or arranging directed study or research experience takes time and effort. WGST faculty are happy to assist and supervise 484, 485, and 491 courses, so don’t be afraid to reach out!
At least 4 weeks prior to the beginning of the semester of a capstone experience, students need to fill out the relevant application below and obtain signatures. The completed application should be submitted to the WGST Undergraduate Coordinator.