James A. Rhodes State College

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Frequently Asked Questions

Assessment of Student Learning

Capstone Courses

1. What is a capstone course?
   
   A capstone course is a celebration of student educational experiences at Rhodes State College designed to assess strengths and/or weaknesses of individual and collective student learning. The course is a culminating program experience that provides for learning without new skills being introduced. Such courses provide opportunities for students to integrate their specific program education goals with the Rhodes State College general education skills and abilities.
    
2. Is the capstone course required for graduation?
   Yes.  All programs of study offer capstone courses as part of their curricula.
    
3. When do students take the capstone course?
   
   The course is taken near the end of the program of study, usually no sooner than one quarter prior to graduation. It is important that most content areas have been introduced and covered before taking the capstone course.
    
4. How will I know which courses are considered capstone?
   
   The current college catalog designates capstone courses with a special icon(). Look for this icon to identify the capstone courses.
    
5. Will students receive a grade for taking the capstone course?
   
   Yes. The capstone course is a graded course.
    
6. How many credit hours are earned while taking the capstone course?
   
   A minimum of two credits will be earned while taking the course, which can be offered in a variety of combinations and hours. Programs may assign greater credit value to the course. Therefore, the course may be a two credit hour course in one program and a three or four credit hour course in another.
    
7. What all is covered in the capstone course?
   
   There are several elements to the capstone course. The first is the technical component which consists of a technical project featuring a written and oral assignment. A psychomotor skill demonstration is also part of the technical component. The second element is the final electronic portfolio writing assignment providing an opportunity to share views on diversity. The third element is the taking of the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP)

This page was last updated on: 01/26/2006