Capstone Experience

A Capstone Experience is primarily about integration of the key features of a student's learning within the three departments (up to the nine fields of study) previously undertaken and in forming a bridge from college study to the professional world. A student demonstrates the capacity to apply him/herself to a particular department (say Ministry & Practice) and synthesise learning from the other two departments (Christian Thought and Bible & Languages).

Units Available:

Units marked with a C on the planner and unit offerings guides are available as capstones at level 9, in the relevant field of study (BB, CH, DE, EM, IN, LA, NT, OT, PC, PE, TH).

Pre-Requisite Units

48 cps Level 8; 12cps Level 8 or higher in the relevant field of study.  

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of a Capstone Experience students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate integration of the key features of learning from all three departments undertaken in their study
  2. Critically examine learning from Old and New Testaments, theology, history and other electives undertaken in Christian Thought and Ministry & Practice
  3. Synthesise the application of knowledge, learning and practice into their specific assessment/s
  4. Demonstrate the capacity to reflect upon personal maturity and self-development
  5. Synthesise college learning experiences with the professional world towards work readiness

Assessments

The kind of assessments available include, but not exclusive to:

Research orientated

  • Project-based learning - specific project content to a specific goal with recommendations
  • Problem-based learning - a specific problem to be solved to stimulate and situate learning
  • Case study analysis - participated centred learning emphasis on collaboration, cooperation, self-observation and reflection
  • Leadership education - explicit leadership skills development based on learned behaviour and skills providing a balance approach to work and life and self-awareness

Practice orientated

  • Service learning - participate in an organised service activity that meets community needs, impacting student's personal, attitudinal, moral, social and cognitive outcomes
  • Work placements - a field placement undertaken as part of the unit of study, supervisor should monitor student's progress and assessment of student learning
  • Internships - directly linked to the student's future professional world and unit of study developing a strategic focus on structured work based learning
  • Simulations or virtual learning environments - learning to engage with industry and professional practice in a stimulated setting
  • Immersion experiences - participant centred short-term field-based approach such as travel study tour, community projects

Plus the normal assessments of essay writing, reflective writing, class presentations, critical analysis, theoretical paper, report, seminar paper.

For the full Course Unit Descriptor, please see the Australian College of Theology website