The UWW Final
Project is required of all UWW students as they near completion
of the UWW program. Through the FP, the student demonstrates competence
in his or her area of focus by conceiving and completing a substantial
project at the senior undergraduate level. The equivalent of six
credits, the FP is expected to involve the amount of work required
for two courses or independent studies. While many UWW students
complete a project that would clearly be considered honors level
work, the criterion for a satisfactory FP is not that it is honors
level, but rather that it demonstrates the skills expected of
a graduating Skidmore senior in the student's area of study. Assessors
are therefore asked to determine whether the project is acceptable
for a student completing a bachelor's degree. Three assessors
evaluate each student’s final project.
The Final
Project can take many forms. Students choose projects appropriate
to their disciplines. For example, a musician might present a
concert, an artist might prepare a show representative of his
or her work. Students focusing in Dramatic Arts have directed,
designed, or acted in a production. Creative writers might submit
a substantial piece of work: a play, several chapters from a novel,
or a collection of poems or short stories. Social work students
may choose to do a rigorous practicum along guidelines approved
by Skidmore’s Department of Social Work. The FP can also
involve research and analytical writing, usually resulting in
a paper 40-50 pages long. Often the project grows from students’
work or internship experience and blends research with practical
application.
back
to top
