At Shepherd University, most majors require some kind of final course in which students showcase what they have learned in their fields of study.
These courses can consist of an internship, student teaching or a senior capstone project. They are designed to promote independent study, encourage senior students to build their résumés and further pursue their intended careers.
Dr. Stephanie Robbins Thulin, associate professor of contemporary art and theater, is the head of the capstone course for photography/computer imagery and studio arts. Thulin hopes that her students will gain a variety of life skills from this course.
Thulin said, “This course prepares students to pursue entry into the job market or graduate programs and to successfully compete for exhibition opportunities, grants, client-based work and other related activities.”
Art students have the opportunity to experience both open and closed events through their capstone projects.
There are two parts to the art capstone projects. Senior Portfolio Day allows students to have their work be viewed by professionals in their specific field and is closed to the public. The capstone exhibitions are open to the public and take place in a variety of art galleries and alternative spaces throughout the Shepherdstown, Charles Town and Hagerstown regions.
Dr. Timothy Nixon, associate professor of English, is the faculty member who heads the English capstone course. Nixon explains that his students complete similar requirements for his course.
Nixon said, “English students must complete not only their capstone project but also attend résumé building and job search workshops specifically generated for careers within the English field and meet with a faculty mentor, in addition to taking a standardized major field test.”
Many students in both departments have had their concerns and issues with securing their own venues for these special events.
Kyle Shaddix, a senior English major with a minor in Appalachian studies, said, “Finding our own venue places a responsibility on the student which seems unnecessary. Although the process is straightforward, it is extra time outside the classroom which many capstone students do not have just for a simple 10 minute presentation.”
Both Thulin and Nixon explain that this is not a new requirement or occurrence for either department. It has been done many times in the past and can prove to be quite beneficial for the students.
Nixon said, “Logistically, we have 24 students in this year’s capstone course and to accommodate all of their needs on campus in a single day just isn’t a possibility.”
Given that the students have a wide range of project topics within these broad fields, the opportunity to create their own venue and showcase their own area of expertise is in their best interest. It allows for a much better overall experience and for the students to have control over a variety of aspects to better enhance their final project.
Thulin said, “It allows them to choose a space that is conducive to their artwork and to pay attention to how the space itself affects the work they have created.”
If you’re interested in attending any of these free and open to the public events, look for press releases and announcements on the Shepherd University website and flyers around campus. Art exhibitions will be held April 18, 19, and 20, and English presentations are to be announced.
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