MALS Synthesis Packet
(This information, updated September 2008, supersedes all previous capstone guidelines)
This packet contains the materials a MALS student needs to complete all required steps for graduation. The information assumes a fall semester registration. Note: A student can complete graduation requirements at any time; however, there is only one commencement ceremony, in May of each year. The deadlines and dates reflect this spring graduation timeline, but we do realize some students will follow a different pattern of completion. "Capstone" is the generic term for the final degree project (either Synthesis or Proseminar) accepted by the MALS program.
NOTE: If you are began the MALS program prior to Fall 2008, you may be grandfathered in to the previous capstone policies/procedures if you choose. Contact Anika for more information.
Please contact Anika at 651-523-2047 if you need more information or assistance.
Contents:
What is a Synthesis?
What is the timeline for Synthesis?
List of Attachments:
Note: These attachments are also contextually inserted within the "timeline" portion of this guide.
1: Prospectus Guidelines
2: Synthesis 1 Registration Form
3: Intent to Graduate/Degree Completion Form
4: Synthesis 2 Registration Form
5: Capstone Conference Notification Form
6. Capstone Title Page Template
7. Capstone Writing Guidelines
Note: All attachments and downloads are in .pdf files. Students may obtain Adobe Acrobat from Hamline's Technology Resources free downloads web page.
What is a Synthesis?
The MALS synthesis (also called capstone) is the most tangible end product of the MALS program. It is a longer work (approximately eighty pages or more) that draws on the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program. Although most capstones are critical/analytical in nature, they can be a mixture of critical and creative work. In the synthesis focused discussion and research are brought to bear on a subject of the student’s choosing. The synthesis also includes a process essay (see below). The synthesis requires two semesters to complete.
What is the Timeline for Synthesis?
**12 Steps! Please read them all carefully**
Step One: Choose a Primary Advisor and Outside Reader
The MALS synthesis committee consists of a primary advisor and an outside reader. If the primary advisor is not a member of the GLS core faculty, you must select a core faculty member as your outside reader. Only the primary advisor works with you during Synthesis 1; s/he serves as a mentor, reads the first draft thoroughly at the end of the semester, and gives you suggestions for revision. The primary advisor works with you again during Synthesis 2: s/he mentors you through the process, reads the final draft, and facilitates your capstone conference. The outside reader reads the final draft only and participates in the capstone conference.
You must register for Synthesis in summer or fall to graduate the following May.
Suggested deadline: As soon as possible, at least the spring before Synthesis registration. Please be aware that faculty members can only sit on a certain number of committees so it is important you confirm with your advisor as soon as possible.
Step Two: Turn in a Prospectus and Schedule a Prospectus Meeting
The Prospectus is a written statement of three-to-five pages describing the scope of your intended synthesis and the way in which it will be pursued. You should discuss briefly the subject matter and theme(s) of the work, the research you have done or plan to do, and the research methodology you’re using. If you wish, you may include a bibliography and/or outline.
Once you have prepared your prospectus, you should schedule a prospectus meeting with your primary advisor. Please provide him or her with a copy of your prospectus document at least one week prior to the meeting. At the prospectus meeting, you and your primary advisor will discuss the subject, methodology, and process for the synthesis; your advisor may make suggestions for improvement. You and your advisor will also develop a plan of action for the semester. The prospectus document will then be signed by your advisor and placed in your file in the GLS office.
Use the Prospectus Guidelines for use in preparing your prospectus. (Attachment 1)
Suggested Deadline: At time of registration for Synthesis.
Note: Students should have a substantial body of work done (50-70 working pages) before registering for Synthesis.
Step Three: Register for Synthesis 1
Students should have their primary advisor sign the Synthesis 1 Registration Form (Attachment 2) prior to or during the prospectus meeting. At this point, after the prospectus meeting, the student will work only with the primary advisor throughout the semester. It is up to the faculty member and the student to decide how the process should proceed, whether the student submits draft section by section or waits until completion to submit for critique. No more than 5 meetings should be required between student and advisor. Deadline: Same as other special registration courses.
Step Four: Statement of Intent to Graduate
Deadline: First business day in November.
Students must submit their Intent to Graduate & Degree Completion Form (Attachment 3).
Step Five: Turn in a Complete Draft to Your Primary Advisor
The student completes a first draft of the capstone project during Synthesis 1 and gives it to his/her primary advisor on or before December 1. The draft must be carefully edited and proofread. Any manuscript that contains significant grammatical errors will be returned to the student unread and will need to be revised.
Deadline: December 1.
Step Six: Schedule a Meeting with Your Primary Advisor
You should schedule a meeting with your primary advisor after s/he has had time to read the draft. At this meeting you will discuss the project, and your advisor will identify strengths and weaknesses in the work and will provide suggestions for revision.
Step Seven: Register for Synthesis 2
Students can register for Synthesis 2 after receiving a passing grade for Synthesis 1. Students should fill out a Synthesis 2 Registration Form (Attachment 4).The student and primary advisor should work out their process for communication, including meetings if needed, at the beginning of Synthesis 1.
Deadline: Same as other special registration courses.
Step Eight: The Process Essay
The process essay of 10-20 pages is required of all MALS synthesis students. In this essay students reflect upon what they have learned about themselves as thinkers and writers in the process of completing their synthesis projects (e.g., How did the ideas that define the synthesis emerge and change? How did an interdisciplinary approach to your subject affect your project?). You can include reference to texts, coursework, or other influences that helped to guide or shape the project. The process essay allows students to “sum-up” their journey through the program and through the synthesis project and to communicate insights and lessons arrived at can be of benefit to future students. It should be turned into the primary and outside reader at least one week before the capstone conference.
Step Nine: Turn in Final Draft to Primary Advisor and Outside Reader
The student turns in a copy of the final draft to his/her primary advisor and outside reader by March 1. This draft should address the concerns raised by the primary advisor at the end of Synthesis 1. The draft must be carefully edited and proofread and meet standard MLA guidelines. Any manuscript that contains significant grammatical corrections will be returned to the student unread for revision.
Deadline: March 1
Please turn in a digital copy, in Microsoft Word or PDF format, to the Programs Coordinator via email in accordance with the deadlines listed above.
Step Ten: The Capstone Conference
At the end of the synthesis process, MALS students participate in a capstone conference. They must complete and submit a Capstone Conference Notification Form (Attachment 5) at least two weeks prior to the capstone conference. It is the student’s responsibility to coordinate a day and time for the meeting with the GLS office and with his/ her primary advisor and outside reader. The GLS office staff will reserve a conference room or another suitable location on campus after the form has arrived. At the conference, students should be prepared to make a formal presentation (about 15 minutes) about their projects. This could include discussion of their aims, influential texts, instructors or courses, process, turning points, obstacles, etc. After this presentation, both advisors will address the strengths of the synthesis project, may pose questions, and may make suggestions for future revision.
Deadline: April 15
Step Eleven: Final Formatted Copy
Once you have successfully participated in your capstone conference, two revised copies (in correct format) of your synthesis (based on revisions suggested by your primary and secondary advisors) are due in the GLS office. You should format your title page according to the MALS Capstone Title Page Template (Attachment 6). See the MALS Writing Guidelines online.
Step Twelve: Graduation
Once all steps have been successfully completed, the student is ready to graduate! Information on graduation will be sent to students closer to the date, including information about the GLS Banquet, Commencement, gown ordering, etc. Hamline University holds one commencement ceremony, in May, each year.
