The Comprehensive Assessment Project (CAP) is a cornerstone project that allows students to showcase what they have learned through their coursework in the program. Together with their chosen committee members, students will determine the best method of project design.
Since many of our MA students are teachers, most of them work on curriculum designs or course proposals that they can apply in their current or future work in K-16 classrooms. However, this project may take other forms; consult with your CAP director on the form and topic that best suits your interests and purpose.
The Comprehensive Assessment Project (CAP) option requires:
An additional six (6) s.h. of coursework (to replace thesis hours). These can be any appropriate courses in ENGL or another Department, as long as all other requirements for the MA have been met. (Note: No more than 6 s.h. total taken outside the English Department can count towards the MA). CAPs should be formatted according to MLA style.
The CAP also requires:
- A Planning Meeting with a committee of two English faculty chosen according to procedures outlined for the Thesis Committee will be held no later than the third week of classes during the semester in which the student plans to complete the project. At this meeting, the student presents a Project Outline (2-3 pp.) and a Working Bibliography of sources. The Planning Meeting may be conducted by email and/or conference call for DE students.
- Important Note: You should put your committee together and have significant work done on your prospectus or CAP plan the semester before the one in which you intend to complete and defend your Thesis or CAP. It is also a very good idea to schedule the Prospectus or Planning Meeting itself the previous semester as well; although it is not required, this plan allows a much more reasonable period of time for the completion of your project.
Project Guidelines
- Main Project (18-25 pp.) This cornerstone project demonstrates the creative application of key concepts learned throughout MTLFF coursework.
- Framing Essay (5-6 pp.) relating the project to the Bibliography and explaining the project’s theoretical framework (to be submitted to the committee no less than two weeks before the Defense is scheduled).
- Oral Defense (1-1 ½ hrs.) The student presents the Project and its theoretical framework to the committee and answers questions posed by the committee related to the problem the project addresses, the methodology used, the utility of the project/application in curriculum or other work environments, and the relationship of the project to the student’s graduate coursework. The Defense may be conducted by conference call or videoconference for DE students.