Course # / Title:	MBU 4015.01 Senior Capstone
Semester:	Fall 2008
Instructor:	J. Rush Hicks, J.D.
Instructor Contacts:	Office Ph.: 460-6473 Email: hicksr@mail.belmont.edu
Instructor Office Hours:	Room 223, Posted on the door
Course Credit:	1 Credit
Class Location:	MC 203B
Meeting Time(s):	Wednesdays 5:00 – 5:50 p.m.
Final Exam:	No Final Exam

Course Description: Prerequisites: Senior standing and approval of academic advisor. To be taken the final semester in residence before graduation. XXX 3015 Junior Cornerstone and ENG 3010. This course is designed to be a culminating experience in the major, and also addresses the goals for the Senior Capstone as defined in the BELL Core curriculum, including reflection on the student's academic experience and on their transition from the university setting to professional life. This course comprises an in-depth integration and application of the student's personal experiences, opportunities, and ambitions as related to their anticipated career and life objectives within the global entertainment industry. Through the use of analysis and discussion of texts, case studies, guest speakers, field trips, written assignments, and personal journal reflections, this course examines the student's goals within the introspection of the Belmont Experience. A final project incorporates the discussion of short- and long-term goals and a plan for the realization of these goals through three- and five-year timelines that are reflective of personal and professional ambitions. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to integrate the spiritual and ethical aspects of their goals as well as their transition from the university towards lifetime learning and professional growth. Course credit is Pass/Fail only.

Course Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate:

ú an ability to communicate effectively with contemporaries

ú an ability to understand professional, ethical and social responsibilities within the music industry

ú a respect for diversity and a knowledge of contemporary professional, societal and global issues

ú a commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement

ú an appreciation for life through the arts, humanities, religion, social sciences, and natural sciences

Performance Criteria: Students will:

ú exercise written and oral communication skills

ú observe guidelines of social responsibility in the leadership role

Honor Code:  It is the responsibility of each student to abide by the Belmont University Honor Code.  “In affirmation of the Belmont University Statement of Values, I pledge that I will not give or receive aid during examinations; I will not give or receive false or impermissible aid in course work, in the preparation of reports, or in any other type of work that is to be used by the instructor as the basis of my grade; I will not engage in any form of academic fraud. Furthermore, I will uphold my responsibility to see to it that others abide by the spirit and letter of this Honor Pledge.”

Accommodation of Disabilities:  In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Belmont University will provide reasonable accommodation of all medically documented disabilities.  If you have a disability and would like the university to provide reasonable accommodations of the disability during this course, please notify the Office of the Dean of Students located in Beaman Student Life Center (460-6407) as soon as possible.

Course Requirements:

A.  Attendance:  Missing more than 2 classes will result in failure of class by student.

B.  Materials:  Let Your Life Speak, Parker Palmer. Who Moved My Cheese? Spencer Johnson, M.D. Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor E. Frankl

C.  Assignments:  Students will be required to

1. write a reflection paper (2-3 pages) on each of the required texts and video

2. write a 3 to 5 page paper on the charity of their choice

3. write your obituary

4. Prepare a professional resume

5. Attend two Belmont and Beyond events (see attached list).

6. During the final exam period each student will give their own three minute eulogy

D.  Testing:   There will be no tests.

E.  Basis of grade evaluation: Course is a pass/fail course. In order to pass, students must successfully complete all homework assignments.  Failed assignments will be returned to the student to be redone once.  If an assignment is not passed the second time you will not pass the class.

Class Schedule:

August	27	R	Class Orientation (Introduce Text Man’s Search for Meaning)	If it is in this column you have to turn it in!
September	3		How did you get here?	Obituary Due/Shared
	10		Man’s Search for Meaning discussion.	Reflection Paper Due: Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl
	17		Does college apply in the real world?	What are your dreams?
	24		Who Am I? (Introduce Text  Let Your Life Speak)		Write an advertisement about yourself for a dating service
October	1		Is it who you know or what you know?	Your Professional Resume
	8		What gives your life meaning?	Reflection Paper: Let Your Life Speak, Parker Palmer
	15		Dreams vs. Goals (Introduce Text: “Cheese”)	Ten Year Goals
	22		Where am I Going?	Five Year Goals
			What is really important to me?/Working the plan	One and Three Year Goals
	29		Dealing with Change	Reflection Paper: Somebody Moved My Cheese
November	5		Watch “Maxed Out” Pt. I
	12		Watch “Maxed Out” Pt. II
	19		Finances, Marriage, Children and other grown up things	Reflection Paper: Maxed Out
	26, 27		THANKSGIVING BREAK
December	3		Giving Back	Charity Paper Due/Discussed
	10		Final	Eulogies