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History Capstone Experiences

All History majors and History/Social Science Education majors must complete a Capstone to receive their degrees. The Capstone is the culminating experience of the degree program and an opportunity for students to demonstrate the skills they have mastered during their time at WCU. Several Capstone options are offered by the History Department. Capstone papers and projects must include a public presentation (within a range of format options, including online, electronic, poster, presentation, Undergraduate Expo, or NCUR, among others).

History/Social Sciences Education

For students in History/Social Sciences Education, student teaching (Intern II) will serve as the Capstone.

History Majors Senior Thesis

History majors may choose to write a Senior Thesis as their Capstone.  This option is limited to students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major.  See your advisor for more on this option.

Double Majors

Double Majors may complete the History Capstone or a Capstone in their non-history major.

B.A./B.S. History Majors

All other History majors (B.A. or B.S.) may choose from the following options:

The Capstone Class

At least one Capstone-designated class will be offered each semester. Enrollment will be limited.  These classes require a research paper of significant length (20 pages), or another substantial project (including a 10-page written report in addition to a project) as determined by the instructor and student.  Students and faculty will have wide discretion in defining the capstone work within the framework of the course content.  The Capstone class represents an opportunity for students and faculty to collaborate on academic and creative projects.

Capstone in Applied or Public Internship (HIST 483)

The Capstone in Applied History or Public Internship will be offered every Fall and Spring semester.  You will complete a 150-hour internship with a public history institution (examples include museums, historic sites, historical societies and genealogical societies) or you will complete an applied history project with an institution (examples include legal offices, public relations firms, university departments in need of historical work).

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