This post is the last post in a series focused on highlighting outstanding defense videos from the graduating class of fall 2022. Here, Shanna and Jason debunk 5 myths about the capstone and offer their advice to help you succeed.
The ASU M.A. History Capstone course (HST 597) is the culmination of hard work and the end of the online program. For those looking forward to graduation, take note. There’s hard work ahead, but with genuine effort, you will be successful. This article addresses five of our misconceptions about the capstone and provides advice for success.
Myth 1: You are alone (because you are online).
One of the challenges of online learning is that students can feel disconnected. They may be unsure of assignment elements or would benefit from a one-on-one discussion about how to approach a task best. Of course, the ASU professors are always willing to help. However, we suggest reaching out to classmates and building friendships outside discussion boards because other students in the program understand the ASU online environment. They can read your essays and will likely give more accurate feedback than your support system at home, bless them for trying. Your fellow students can hype you up and help motivate you when you need it most. A friend in the program will increase your writing quality and lower stress levels. Take a chance and build relationships with your M.A. colleagues today.
Myth 2: Your research and historiography essays need to be related.
When we enrolled in the capstone, there was a rumor that both pieces of academic writing had to relate, as in demonstrate a common theme or illustrate your chosen subfield of history. Good news, a correlated pair of work is not required! While it would feel copacetic to produce a portfolio with a common theme, the only requirement is excellent original pieces of academic writing. The professors want your highest quality work. Choose papers that showcase your ability to implement the writing and critical thinking skills developed during the program and that are closest to matching the essay requirements outlined in the history M.A. handbook.
Myth 3: I already got an “A” on the papers I want to use. The capstone will be a breeze!
Congratulations! You did a lot to earn an “A” in a previous course. However, just because the paper originally received an “A” does not mean that it is portfolio ready. Before the course begins, we recommend you continue to refine your papers. Here are a few tips as you start the editing process:
Tip 1 – Polish your papers. Review your paper to address grammar/spelling errors and reduce the use of passive voice. It will also save you time later if you can ensure that the citations are correctly formatted.
Tip 2 – Solicit additional feedback from your original professor and a trusted peer. These revisions can take weeks to receive, so don’t wait until the final moment to ask. Edit your paper to address their comments before the capstone begins.
Tip 3 – Ensure your thesis is an original argument and your topic sentences bolster it.
Tip 4 – Review the paper requirements in history M.A. handbook. Does your work meet the source count and the page requirement? If not, make sure to resolve issues before the capstone course begins. Essays that do not meet these requirements are not accepted.
Tip 5 – To elevate your writing, you must be receptive to peer and advisor feedback. Additionally, when giving feedback to others, remain constructive and positive. If the reviews you receive upset you, do not let this process shatter your confidence. Absorb the comments, weigh the value, give yourself space to reflect on how to incorporate the suggestions, and start editing. It may not feel like it at the time, but this process will produce your finest work.
Myth 4: I’ve edited the papers I’m bringing into the capstone. There is nothing else I can do until the course begins.
If your schedule allows, there are several ways to prepare for the capstone. First, brush the dust off your resume. The course portfolio requires an updated resume or CV, so it is a good idea to begin reviewing yours now. Then, look at some digital portfolios produced during the capstone, which will be discussed below. Familiarize yourself with the various landing pages and, if motivated, write drafts for your own. Lastly, watch a few defense videos. You can find ours in our digital portfolios here and here. You can also locate featured defense videos on SHPRS’s Spark blog.
All this effort is optional before the course begins. However, any work you complete ahead of time will significantly reduce your stress levels and workload during the course.
Myth 5: This class will require a small-time investment; I can step back a little and focus on other things in my life instead.
Many of our colleagues in the program expressed the challenges of balancing work, life, and their M.A. courses. As with the balance of the program, disciplined time management is the key to success. Our mindsets entering the capstone were that since we selected polished papers and had no required readings for the course, the time investment would be minimal. We quickly learned we were incorrect.
To succeed in the Capstone, you must adjust your mindset regarding the required time commitment. The best advice for this class is to ensure you allot enough time in your schedule to embrace the editing process. Editing takes time and consistent dedication. Start editing well before the capstone begins and continue editing throughout the course. We are not suggesting you forgo all your other responsibilities and ignore personal and mental health, but instead that you go into this class with the mindset of finishing strong. Dedicate as much of yourself to the capstone as you have to the rest of the program. If you do, you will elevate your writing to a level you may not have thought possible when you started the program.
Remember that you can do hard things. Forks up!
