COLL 400 and Capstone in Classical Studies
A capstone experience of at least 3 credits is required for all concentrations in Classical Studies (Greek, Latin, Classical Civilization, and Classical Archaeology). This capstone experience will also satisfy your COLL 400 requirement as well as your concentration writing and digital literacy requirements.
Here is a guide to how you will fulfill this requirement:
MOST STUDENTS:
- Enroll in CLCV 400 (Classical Studies Seminar), usually in the Spring of your Senior year. The topic of the seminar will be different every year, but will be broad enough that students within interests and expertise in any aspect of Classical Studies can participate.
- Work on a research topic in the Seminar
- Deliver a presentation on your research at the Classical Studies Colloquium at the end of the semester
HONORS STUDENTS:
- Enroll in the honors sequence of classes: CLCV, GREK or LATN 495 and 496
- Enroll in the one-credit course CLCV 401 (Classical Studies Colloquium) in Spring semester
- Work on your honors project with your honors advisor
- Deliver a presentation on your research at the Classical Studies Colloquium at the end of the Spring semester
ST. ANDREWS JOINT DEGREE PROGRAMME STUDENTS:
Students in the St. Andrews Programme do not have a COLL 400 or a capstone requirement as such, but those completing their senior year at W&M will need to engage in a significant research project in their major field. In Classical Studies, that means either a) doing the two-semester honors sequence (CLCV, GREK, or LATN 495 and 496) and writing an honors thesis, or b) enrolling in the Classical Studies Seminar (CLCV 400), and presenting a talk on your research at the Classical Studies Colloquium. Students who choose to do the honors thesis are not required to participate in the Classical Studies Colloquium, but their participation is welcome and encouraged!
SOME FAQs:
When do I take CLCV 400?
Normally, you will take CLCV 400 in the Spring semester of your Senior year, but you may also take it in the Spring of your Junior year, and in some circumstances (for instance, if you are graduating early or are double-majoring), it may be advisable for you to do it in your Junior year. NOTE that CLCV 400 is NOT normally offered in the Fall semester or in the summer.
What if I plan to graduate early?
Whenever you plan to graduate, you should plan to take CLCV 400 no later than the last Spring semester of your residency at W&M. We normally do not offer CLCV 400 in Fall semester or in the summer.
What if I am a double major? Do I have to do CLCV 400 as well as a capstone course in my other major?
All concentrations at W&M have a capstone requirement, and in addition to fulfilling your COLL 400 requirement, each one teaches you specific and important things about that discipline. So the short answer is yes, you will need to do both. This may be one reason why you would choose to do CLCV 400 (or the capstone for your other major) in your Junior year, or take the capstone course in your other major in the Fall, if it’s offered then (remember: in Classical Studies, we don’t normally offer CLCV 400 in the Fall). That way, you won’t end up having to do two big research projects in the same semester.
I don’t see my circumstances covered in any of the scenarios above. Are there any other options for fulfilling the COLL 400 and capstone requirements?
There are usually other things we can do if there are compelling reasons. Talk to your Classical Studies advisor and/or the department chair, and they will do their best to work out a way that makes sense for you.
