SPCI 515
Capstone B

Course Introduction

Dear student—

Capstone B is the second in the two-course Capstone sequence, as well as the last course of the Masters in Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastructures (MSPCI) Program. In Capstone A (SPCI 514), you reviewed the advantages and limitations of three learning methods: the problem-based case method, the tabletop exercise, and the research paper. You also researched and drafted a capstone project. In this course, you will complete the second draft of your project and post it.  You will read and post feedback on two projects posted by your fellow students, and receive feedback from other students on your own project.  Then, as your last assignment for the course, you will incorporate the feedback you have received and submit the final draft of your project.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to draft and complete a problem-based project using the learning method you have selected.

Readings

There are no required readings for this course, but you are encouraged to review the readings from SPCI 514.

Prerequisites

The Capstone sequence is a series of two courses: Capstone A and Capstone B. You must have completed Capstone A (SPCI 514) before taking this course. To succeed in this Capstone course, you must have completed all the courses offered in the preceding quarters of the MSPCI Program.

Organization of the Course

As part of Capstone A, you read the lesson commentaries, identified both the topic and the learning method for the project you developed, conducted research for the project, and prepared first an outline and then a draft of the project for your instructor to read. In Capstone B, you will write and post a second draft, develop and post feedback on two projects you select from those posted by your classmates, receive feedback from other students on your own second draft, then integrate the feedback into the final draft of your project, which you will submit at the end of the course.

Submitting Assignments

For instructions on how to submit assignments, please see the "About Your Instructors" page on the syllabus. In addition to submitting assignments to your instructors, you will also post your draft on the course discussion forum so other students can read it and comment on it. Please use the "Start a New Conversation" button, and post your draft as an attachment to your message. Your reviewers (fellow students) will then post their comments as replies to your message.

Remember that part of your responsibility in completing this course is to offer substantive and constructive comments on the drafts of two of your fellow students. Please post your comments as replies to the message in which each draft is attached.

After revising your draft in response to comments from your peers and instructor, you will complete your final project and submit it to your instructor according to the instructions in "About Your Instructors."

Study Suggestions

Capstone B course does not contain any new readings or lesson commentaries, but you are advised to review the lesson commentaries and the readings included in SPCI 514, Capstone A. Please be self-motivated and willing to help your fellow students.

Other Tips

• Pace yourself.
• Set aside time each week that is dedicated exclusively to the course.
• Get your project drafts and feedback to other students in on time.
• Once again, be self-motivated!

Grading

This is a credit/no-credit course. If your assignments are satisfactory, you will receive three University of Washington Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for this course (a total of six credits for the Capstone course, SPCI 514/515). You will not receive a numeric grade.

To earn credit for this course, you must post the second draft of your capstone project and your feedback documents for other students, and submit the final draft of your project, on time. See the course schedule for due dates.

Grading Criteria for Capstone Project

Clear grasp of major elements of type of assignment selected	30%
Clear grasp of major issues related to specific topic chosen	25%
Synthesis of program concepts and methods	25%
Evidence of adequate research: citations, format, bibliography	10%
Proper organization, professionalism of presentation, spelling/grammar/syntax	10%
TOTAL	100%

Late Assignments

To earn credit, you must complete all parts of each lesson and assignment, including all required reading and exercises, on time. No credit will be given for partial completion or late work.

If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from completing an assignment on time, please contact your instructor before the assignment is due to obtain permission for a late submission. Without such permission, points will be subtracted from your grade for the assignment.

Academic Integrity

Students enrolled in this course are required to follow the University of Washington guidelines for academic honesty. Please review the "Academic Honesty Policy" section of the Online Student Handbook, as well as the MSPCI Student Code of Conduct. You'll find links to each in your online course syllabus.

About the Course Developer

Shishir Mathur is an Assistant Professor in the Urban and Regional Planning Department at San Jose State University. He obtained a Master's (1997) in Urban Planning in India and a Ph.D. (2003) in Urban Design and Planning from the University of Washington. Dr. Mathur's professional experience in planning includes work in India as well as in the USA as a consultant, researcher, and instructor. His work in India included consulting in the fields of physical and land use planning, infrastructure planning, and urban design. His work in the United States includes research and teaching in the fields of systems analysis, strategic planning, public finance, urban economics, housing, land use policy, and infrastructure finance.

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