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Senior Sociology and History Majors Present Research Projects

Posted on Thursday, January 3, 2008

Forty-five Westminster College senior sociology and history majors presented their capstone research Dec. 7 in the Orr Auditorium lobby.

The final component of Liberal Studies at Westminster is a senior capstone course, which is at least a four-semester-hour course within the major designed to provide an opportunity for students to evaluate and assess the strengths and limitations of their major field.

"Our sociology capstone students learned about the concept of 'social capital' and used it as the shared theme around which they created their research projects," said Dr. Kristin Park, associate professor of sociology. "Social capital refers to the connections between individuals that build trust and reciprocity, and there are concerns among social scientists about its decline in the United States over the last several decades."

"In history, the capstone experience includes not only a paper in which students demonstrate their mastery of historical knowledge and writing, but also a presentation in poster format," said Dr. Patricia Clark, assistant professor of history. "The poster is an opportunity for students to share their research with the public."

Senior history majors Laura DellAntonio and Andrew Miller also presented research on their honors projects. Additional honors research projects will be presented at Westminster's Undergraduate Research Symposium held on campus during the spring.

The students were advised by Clark; Dr. Gary Lilly, associate professor of sociology; Park; and Dr. Virginia Tomlinson, associate professor of sociology.

Contact Clark at (724) 946-7248 or e-mail clarkpg@westminster.edu for additional information. 

Dr. Tomlinson and Jeffrey Skubick
Jared Gray, Brett Hoover, President Williamson