Capstone topic

[Mamasaphire]

I'm getting nervous... Capstone (with Dr Cody) starts in less than a week. Actually got a group email from him this morning.

So, I have been wracking my brain trying to come up with topics/ideas. My major is BA.SS, so social sciences can include history, behavior health, etc.

I like Community Health, so was thinking something to do with the history of Community Health in the US (from what I recall it often dealt with educating mothers/families of immigrants & other economically disadvantaged peoples).

How would I propose this?

Is there another angle I could come from? Other topic suggestions????:confused:

[CGaboury]

In my experience, writing about a topic you aren't passionate is difficult. You chose this major for a reason I'd assume. What about it drew you to it? Find something that you feel that you can get really involved in. When we are passionate about a topic, it tends to flow from us much more freely.

[happydayruth]

I'm getting nervous... Capstone (with Dr Cody) starts in less than a week. Actually got a group email from him this morning.

So, I have been wracking my brain trying to come up with topics/ideas. My major is BA.SS, so social sciences can include history, behavior health, etc.

I like Community Health, so was thinking something to do with the history of Community Health in the US (from what I recall it often dealt with educating mothers/families of immigrants & other economically disadvantaged peoples).

How would I propose this?

Is there another angle I could come from? Other topic suggestions????:confused:

Your topic really can be anything you're interested in, and I don't think most of the mentors insist that it relate directly to your major. However, in my experience, you will need to narrow your topic "questions" significantly. You can't just write a history paper, which would use research done entirely by other people. The history of the topic would be a part of one of your chapters, but it would not be the focus of the entire paper. You'll likely need to conduct your own research in some way, either through interviews or surveys. Each mentor is different in their requirements and approach; my mentor specifically wanted us to identify a "problem" that is able to be documented as existing, before doing the research on it. So for example, one of my classmates wanted to research the "problem" of food safety in U.S. restaurants, and used the recent Chipotle issues as documentation of the problem. In my mentor's words: "You first have to document that this is actually happening before you can study it--Ideally it needs to happen within the United States and in the past 5 to 10 years. You cannot go on your own anecdotal evidence or heresay. Otherwise this will be a project that will simply be created to confirm your own bias. A good way to document this is by looking at government data or published research that has noted a problem..." Personally I think the topic you mentioned sounds really interesting and I think you could totally make it work by narrowing it down more specifically. I've heard Cody is a good mentor, and I've also heard that he provides sample papers.

Also, this thread may be helpful to you: http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...dback.html

[davewill]

... You'll likely need to conduct your own research in some way, either through interviews or surveys. Each mentor is different in their requirements and approach; ...

I took my Capstone from Dr. Cody and I did no primary research at all. Got a good grade, too. At least two of my classmates chose historical figures as subjects.

The way to attack your topic is to try and write a question you would answer in your paper. You first assignment is going to be to write a main question and 3-5 subquestions for up to 3 topics and post them for feedback. Dr. Cody will specifically give you feedback and suggestions. Don't worry. The class does a good job of keeping you moving in the right direction.

[happydayruth]

I took my Capstone from Dr. Cody and I did no primary research at all. Got a good grade, too. At least two of my classmates chose historical figures as subjects.

The way to attack your topic is to try and write a question you would answer in your paper. You first assignment is going to be to write a main question and 3-5 subquestions for up to 3 topics and post them for feedback. Dr. Cody will specifically give you feedback and suggestions. Don't worry. The class does a good job of keeping you moving in the right direction.

Even better. Seems like each mentor is different!

Mamasaphire, don't stress too much. It's intimidating before you start, but like davewill said - the class does a good job of keeping you moving step by step.

[msd2012]

I took the Capstone in July with Steve Ryan and he didn't require that he approve the topic first, nor that it relate to our major. As Dave pointed out, as long as you can come up 3 sub-questions which will answer your major question (and can find sufficient resources for each question) your topic should be fine. In the event you do decide to narrow the scope of your research you could always focus on a particular time period, so you could drill down to the advancement of Community Health in the U.S. from a particular time period until now. Don't be nervous, you will do fine! Coming up with a topic is the hardest part in my opinion.

[Mamasaphire]

Thank you all for the much appreciated & encouraging words!

I'm sure it won't be long before I'll be on your end, saying it was a good experience, but for now I feel like I am looking over a precipice with a long rope bridge hanging perilously in front of me :p

[ATTACH=CONFIG]1904[/ATTACH]

[bjcheung77]

That bridge looks secure! Just everyone don't push and shove... Hey, it's easier than a tight rope at least...

[sanantone]

I don't know if either of these topics would interest you.

1. The Effects of Increased Spending on and/or Improvement of Community Health Initiatives

2. Socioeconomic Factors in Community Health Trends

[Mamasaphire]

That bridge looks secure! Just everyone don't push and shove... Hey, it's easier than a tight rope at least...

You are right... this looks worse! [ATTACH=CONFIG]1905[/ATTACH]