Course Project: The Capstone Assignment

Objectives

This capstone course concludes with a research-based Course Project that starts during the first week of the session and continues throughout the duration of the course. It culminates with the submission of a formal, written report in Week 7.

For the project, each student will identify and explore an emerging technology. This will be a technology that may already exist but is drawing attention because of new applications, anticipated impacts, or potential controversies.

Examples could include, but are in no way limited to, the following subjects.

If you are thinking of a topic that is not on the list, please check with your instructor before proceeding.

• Nanotechnology

• Genetically modified organisms

• Drones

• Self-driving cars

• Remote or robotic surgery

• Wireless electricity

• Gene editing

• Virtual reality

• Artificial intelligence

• Cyber-warfare

• Hydraulic fracturing

Topics to avoid-these are old or have just been done too often.

• Online dating

• Identity theft

• ATMs

The student will address the historical, social, cultural, moral, and ethical issues presented by their selected technology.

Topic and Thesis Proposal 50 The student will define the chosen topic, provide a brief description of the emergent technology, and write a thesis statement (refer to the tutorial on Thesis Statements found in the Writing and Research Help area for help on this assignment).

The proposal must then be submitted by the end of the week.