Core Concepts of Sociology and Reflections on the Major: A Senior Capstone Project

• In Event: 517 - Section on Teaching and Learning in Sociology Paper Session. Capstones, Culminating Experiences, and Senior Seminars: Meaningful Teaching Ideas that Help Students Put It All Together

Abstract

The senior seminar, or capstone course, in sociology has become a staple of a strong student-driven curriculum at many institutions. Though there are a variety of projects currently used to meet desired outcomes for this type of course across universities, a high degree of interest exists for innovation in this core course. This paper examines the creation and use of a project to assess student perceptions of important ideas and people in sociology, as well as their beliefs in what it means to be a sociology major. In addition to project details and outcomes of its use, applications to a range of goals and program needs are discussed.

Author

• Mari Plikuhn, University of Evansville