CJ/PAD 5361: Capstone Seminar
(Spring 2014 --Traditional)
School of Public Affairs
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Professor:
Donald Klingner
Class Schedule:
Tuesdays, 4:45 - 7:20 p.m.
Office Hours:
Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30 p.m., or by e-mail and phone
Office Location:
Dwire Hall 356F
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Course Objectives:
The primary goal of the MCJ/MPA capstone course, as developed by the SPA faculty, is to assist
students in integrating and synthesizing what they have learned in the program. This course
provides a process and structure for SPA faculty to be able to ensure that all MCJ/MPA graduates
can demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and principles conveyed in the course of study, and
can apply that knowledge to analysis of contemporary issues in public administration and criminal
justice (including the administration of non-profit organizations) within their chosen concentration
or other specialization. The product of this seminar will evidence a degree candidate’s
qualifications and expertise, and be the centerpiece of a professional portfolio that candidates may
use to secure or to be advanced in employment commensurate with their demonstrated abilities.
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Expectations:
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Format. You are responsible for attendance, punctuality, working independently, completing
assignments as scheduled, and contributing to class discussions.
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Attendance. Because this class meets only 7 times during the semester, attendance at ALL
classes is mandatory, except for extreme and unforeseen emergencies. Check this schedule
carefully. Identify, negotiate and eliminate any potential conflicts in advance.
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Tardy assignments. Late assignments disrupt the learning process for you and the class. You
are responsible for completing assignments on time. Any turned in late will be penalized.
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Written Papers: Submit them electronically (by email as MS Word doc or .docx files).
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An offer you shouldn’t refuse: I will review one good quality draft of your final project paper if
you send it to me at least 5 days before the due date. I will give you my comments by email.
The final copy is the only one I will grade. The same offer applies to the draft PowerPoint
slides for your presentation.
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Academic Conduct: The written work you submit must reflect your own ideas and be written in
your own words. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
1. Plagiarism: quoting or paraphrasing others without attribution in text citations and a
reference list. This includes books, journal articles, conference presentations, published or
unpublished papers and web-based materials.
2. Fraud: submitting work that was not prepared by you, or which you have previously
submitted for another class.
The consequence of academic dishonesty is a grade of F on the assignment in question, plus
appropriate academic sanctions per SPA and University regulations.
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Campus Closing Procedures. Class will be held per the syllabus unless the university is closed.
The decision to cancel evening classes will normally be made prior to 3:00 p.m. You may call
the Campus Snow/Info Line at (719) 255-3346 to confirm whether class will meet.
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E-Mail. UCCS uses e-mail as an official means for communicating with students. While I’ll
gladly mail you class updates and respond to your on-line queries at whatever email address
you prefer to use, you are expected to check your official UCCS e-mail address on a frequent
basis, in order to stay current with university communications.
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Disability Accommodation Statement. If you are a student with a disability and believe you will
need accommodations for this class, it is your responsibility to register with the Disability
Services Office and provide them with documentation of your disability. They will work with
you to determine what accommodations are appropriate for your situation. To avoid any delay
in the receipt of accommodations, you should contact the Disability Services Office as soon as
possible. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive and disability accommodations
cannot be provided until an accommodation letter has been given to me. Please contact
Disability Services for more information at Main Hall room 105, 719-255-
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3354 or dservice@uccs.edu.
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Special Instructions for Military Students. If you are a military student with the potential of
being called to military service and /or training during the course of the semester, you are
encouraged to contact me no later than the first week of class to discuss the class attendance
policy. Please see the Office of Veteran and Military Student Affairs website for more
information:http://www.uccs.edu/military/current-students/active-duty.html.
Client-Oriented Project Format:
A client-oriented project must meet the following criteria: (a) the project takes place within a
public or non-profit agency or organization after consultation with both an SPA faculty member
and an identified client within that agency; (b) the task to be accomplished should be significant
and of practical use to that organization; (c) it must meet the purpose of this advanced seminar by
integrating scholarly knowledge from the MCJ/MPA program and (d) client-oriented projects may
not be conducted as part of ongoing work responsibilities.
Ideally, the project should be a subject related to the student’s current or prospective professional
career. It may concern a subject internal to an organization (such as an aspect of human resources
management, financial analysis, or reorganization), or an issue external to the agency (such as an
evaluation of a national welfare policy, implementation of a state environmental management
program, or a local anti-crime initiative). Discussions between class members, potential clients and
the professor will help a student sort out what topic may be best to work on as well as how to go
about conducting research. Students should be careful to adhere to existing agency requirements
for approval and confidentiality of information that is gathered as a part of their projects.
Capstone Seminar Reflection Essay
Goal: Your capstone project demonstrates your ability to respond to a public problem using the
knowledge you gained in MPA program. However, a research journey is not complete until you
have reflected on the research process and its connection to your broader program goals.
Practitioners engaging in practical reflection gain valuable insight about their unique role in
turning field knowledge into program & policy change. Now it is your turn to engage in a
structured reflection process.
Objective: In a short written reflective essay, provide your readers with a cohesive narrative that
explains how you applied the MPA program’s five student learning competencies to your capstone
project. In the essay, you should note what you have learned from the research experience,
recognize your achievements, and identify future challenges that you may face. Your essay should
highlight specific course experiences, skill sets, concepts, assignments, and knowledge that you
drew upon to complete your project. To help structure your essay, we ask that you reflect on the
five central competencies of your MPA program and use these competencies as your subheadings
for your discussion:
• Your ability to lead and manage in public governance
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•
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Your ability to participate in and contribute to the public policy process
Your ability to analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
Your ability to articulate and apply a public service perspective
Your ability to communicate and interact with diverse and changing workforce and
citizenry
Additional questions that you should consider as you write your reflection essay include:
• What did you learn about your own research process and style? What course experiences
did you draw upon to help you develop and execute your capstone project?
• How did you respond to the challenge of managing client expectations? What course tools
and skills helped you work to create a positive working relationship with your client?
• How did your project expectations change? How did your course work prepare you to adapt
to project challenges?
• What connections do you draw between your project and broader public service goals,
needs, and challenges? How do you plan to use this project’s experiences and outcomes to
shape your future public work?
• What skills, information, and insights would you like to have possessed at the beginning of
the project? What tool(s) has the program provided you to seek out and gain resources?
Seminar Format:
At the beginning of the course, the instructor(s) will meet with students as a class to assist them in
beginning their research or client-oriented projects, especially aiding them to identify and define
their projects. After the first few weeks the seminar members will work individually. During this
period, participants will consult with the instructor to report progress, ask questions, and present
drafts. Students should expect to revise their papers several times before they complete their final
project. They also should take the initiative to seek help from faculty and others when necessary.
The course schedule on pages 5 and 6 shows when the class will meet, when assignments are due,
and the nature of activities occurring at various periods during the semester.
Required Books:
Creswell, John (2013). Research Design: Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed Methods
Approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 4th Edition. ISBN-10: 1452226105 | ISBN13: 978-1452226101
Strunk, William, & E.B. White (1999). The Elements of Style. New York: Longman, 4th Edition.
ISBN-10: 020530902X | ISBN-13: 978-0205309023
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Prospectus Format:
The prospectus (2-3 pages, single spaced) is your project plan. It should include:
1. Identification of the client agency, description of the activity to be undertaken, and the
methods you will use;
2. Names, affiliations and complete contact information (address, phone and email) for your
second and third readers;
3. The designation of three courses for which you will demonstrate competency and the specific
knowledge and skill areas that you will use in completing the project;
4. A time line of all significant project activities and deadline dates for their completion; and
5. The relevant fields of literature, reports, questionnaires and/or interviews necessary to begin
the study.
Any projects that involve data collected and presented from individual human subjects must have
prior review and approval by the University’s human subjects review board.
First, Second and Third Readers:
Each student will have two faculty assigned to evaluate his/her work. The first reader is the
instructor of record for the seminar. The second reader is a subject-matter expert designated by
the faculty of record in consultation with the student. The third reader is a representative of the
client organization. The third is selected by the student, subject to approval by the first reader.
The first reader supervises your project, making sure that you are making satisfactory progress
toward completion of the project. The second reader is responsible for: (1) reviewing and
approving the rough draft of a your prospectus, (2) reviewing and approving successive drafts of
the project report (3) attending the oral project presentation, and (4) evaluating both the oral and
written project and assigning the final grade, in consultation with the first reader. If you are in
the MCJ program, the second reader must teach in that degree program. For this semester, that
means Katie Kaukinen. The third reader is responsible for assisting the student with access to the
client organization, reviewing and approving the final project report, attending the oral
presentation, and recommending a grade.
Threshold Writing Requirement:
The ability to communicate accurately and effectively in writing is an essential part of academic
and professional work. Since this is a graduate course within a professional degree program, a
threshold level of writing competency expected and required of all students. This means that in
order to pass this advanced seminar, all written work must use appropriate language, structure
and style (APA, MLA or Chicago). This includes text references and the reference list. Study
Strunk and White’s Elements of Style before beginning the course. Check the library for
appropriate APA, MLA and Chicago style guidelines. If you want to improve your writing,
please contact the campus Writing Center: http://web.uccs.edu/wrtgcntr. It provides excellent
feedback on rough draft capstone projects.
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Grading:
The subjective criteria for grading and quality of research will include: class attendance,
timeliness of work, writing and clarity of thought; thoroughness and depth of thought in
analytical work; use of concepts from MPA and MCJ courses; creativity and innovativeness in
both oral and written presentations, and adequacy of documentation. Determination of the final
grade will rest ultimately with the first reader but will be made only after careful consultation
with the second and third readers.
Class Schedule:
January 21: Introduction and Library Tour (week 1). Overview of this seminar and its
requirements as well as important dates and deadlines.
January 28: Topic Selection and Prospectus Due (week 2). Presentation of the prospectus by
each student. The class as a group and the instructor will assist in refining the options and
deciding on one for the seminar project. The prospectus should follow the abovementioned outline for “Prospectus Format.” Please make enough copies to hand out to all
class members.
February 4: Topic Selection and Prospectus Due (continued, week 3). Presentation of the
prospectus by each student. The class as a group and the instructor will assist in refining
the options and deciding on one for the seminar project. The prospectus should follow the
above-mentioned outline for “Prospectus Format.” Please make enough copies to hand
out to all class members.
February 11: Draft Outlines (week 4). E-mail me an outline of the paper (with as much detail as
possible). In class, be prepared to discuss your progress, particularly problems and/or
delays involving your lit review, data collection (appropriate scholarly and professional
materials, interviews and questionnaires) and other research issues. Follow the same
format as you used for the prospectus.
February 18, February 25, March 4, March 11, March 18, and March 25: No Class (weeks 5, 6,
7, 8, 9, and Spring Break). Students work individually on research and rough drafts.
April 1: First Report Draft (week 10). Submit a good, complete electronic rough draft of the
entire paper. In class, be prepared to discuss how your actual research differs from your
proposed project design, and why. I’ll email you my critique following your presentation,
after I’ve had the opportunity to review your rough draft.
April 8, 15 and 22: No class (weeks 11, 12 and 13). Students work individually with their second
and third readers on final drafts and oral presentations.
April 29 and May 6: Oral Presentations (weeks 14 and 15). Class members will present a formal
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oral presentation of their semester’s efforts (15 minutes) and respond to questions (5
additional minutes), especially those that ask you to think broadly about your work, its
implications to the field, exploring ways by which the project broadened your
understanding of concepts from the MCJ/MPA program and how it changed perceptions
of public or non-profit service. Your second and third readers are required to attend your
presentation, unless other arrangements are made with me far in advance based on
irreconcilable scheduling difficulties.
Please submit an electronic copy of your presentation Power Points to your readers
prior to your in-class presentation.
All final written projects are due on May 6, submitted electronically to first, second and
third readers. Your second and third readers need to email me their completed
evaluations by Monday, May 12.
Instructor’s Contact Information:
Home Office:
Mail Address:
Phone/Fax:
E-mail:
University Office:
Mail Address:
Location:
Phone:
E-mail:
Web site:
50 Buckthorn Drive, Littleton, CO 80127-4311
(303) 948-2982
Mobile Phone: (303) 596-2405
donald.klingner@gmail.com
School of Public Affairs
University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
356F Dwire Hall
(719) 255-4012
Fax: (719) 255-4183
donald.klingner@uccs.edu
http://sites.google.com/site/donaldklingner
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