Capstone Course

During their last semester, students apply the analytical frameworks, and professional writing, research, and leadership skills acquired during their M.A. International Affairs curriculum in a one-credit capstone course (IAff 219) analyzing a contemporary policy issue.

Past capstone courses have developed strategies for human rights organizations seeking engagement with the private sector; researched the connections between international education and foreign policy; analyzed international finance for developing and transition economies; explored the role of the Department of Defense in the making and implementation of national security decisions, with particular attention to the war on terrorism; researched partnerships between non-government organizations (NGOs) and government; and explored the intersection between formulating effective national security positions and successful presidential campaigns.

Each capstone course is supervised by a policy expert who determines both its topic and its specific format. In most cases, students are organized into small groups or teams, each of which is given responsibility to examine one aspect, or study one case, related to their project's overall theme. The teams develop a plan of action and assign specific tasks to their individual members. The work of each individual is then incorporated into a final written "product" summarizing research results and/or presenting policy options. Finally, students in each project also organize an oral presentation of their findings. In many cases, outside experts in the areas under investigation are invited to act either as resources or to evaluate the project's final conclusions and recommendations.

Capstone course offerings are listed in the Schedule of Classes under IAff 219. Students may enroll in these projects after registering for, or completing, a minimum of 30 of the required 40 credits in their program. Students are evaluated on a pass/fail basis (entered as "credit" or "non-credit") depending on both their individual contributions and team participation. A pass is required for completion of the degree program. Students who fail the project must participate and pass a different project in a subsequent term. Failure on two successive projects results in dismissal from the program.