All SUA students are required to complete a Capstone thesis in order to graduate. Although part of the general education curriculum, the Capstone is overseen by the Concentrations.
The International Studies (INTS) Capstone is a culminating experience in which INTS Concentrators apply skills and knowledge to gain in-depth knowledge through a research project. After completing seven semesters of coursework, IS students write an extended essay and bibliography in close supervision and collaboration with a trusted faculty member.
- The project has three ‘seasons’: Fall (Capstone Proposal), Winter Block (continue researching and begin writing), and Spring (complete writing and revisions).
- Students work one-on-one with a Mentor to guide them through many challenges. Upon completion, students often report it was the most memorable and rewarding work of their undergraduate career.
- In INTS, students engage in intensive, independent research, with freedom and time to pursue a pressing question, design an intricate theory, engage master scholarship, and help solve real-world problems.
- INTS Students can pursue many different areas of global study, but some take advantage of the Concentration’s strengths to explore geographic areas (e.g., the Asia Pacific and Latin America) or themes (e.g., international economics, trade and development; or international relations, peace and conflict resolution).
- Following graduation, alumni have reported their INTS Capstone helped prepare them for graduate school and the analytical demands of meaningful careers.
Statement of Goals/Objectives of SUA Capstones
In the context of the liberal arts undergraduate program at Soka University of America, the purpose and mission of the Capstone Experience are for students to acquire in-depth knowledge about a topic within their field of concentration by drawing upon the skills and knowledge acquired from the liberal arts education they have received at SUA.
The learning goals of the Capstone Project are:
- To further develop habits of independent inquiry and study.
- To acquire close, focused knowledge of a topic.
- To further develop and refine research, writing, and analytical skills congruent with the educational mission of Soka University of America.
- To enhance students’ ability to formulate and research a question or set of questions and from this to produce a coherent and substantial treatment of the chosen topic.
Capstone Timeline
Fall Semester– Capstone 390
- First Friday of October: Students announce mentor.
- First Friday of November: First draft of a proposal submitted to a faculty mentor
- First Friday of December: Final draft of a proposal submitted to Mentor and Concentration Director
Winter Block – Capstone 400
- Winter Block (January): Students research and begin writing.
Spring Semester – Capstone 450
- Initial drafts due in February and March
- Last Friday of April: Final Capstone Project submitted to a Mentor and Concentration Director.
Links to Additional Information
Capstone information is available through Portal, Academic Affairs, and Capstone. Click here for Capstone information and forms of all students. This folder includes forms for Capstone 390 (mentor identification, change mentor, and proposal approval forms), Capstone Policy Forms (such as calendars), and financial reimbursement forms.
Click here for Capstone information specific to INTS concentrators. This folder includes guides and video tutorials for Capstone 390, the Capstone 400 progress form, and the Capstone 450 cover page and grading rubric. INTS also has a form for those that wish to work with a Capstone mentor from outside of INTS, available here.