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"At the end of his course, he was required to compose a thesis upon some theme set by his masters or chosen by himself, and afterwards to defend his thesis against the criticism of the faculty. By this time, he would have learned--or woe betide him-- not merely to write an essay on paper, but to speak audibly and intelligibly from a platform, and to use his wits quickly when heckled. There would also be questions, cogent and shrewd, from those who had already run the gauntlet of debate." ("The Lost Tools of Learning," Dorothy Sayers)
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As a culminating activity of a classical education, the JPG Senior Capstone Project follows the spirit of the Medieval tradition.
The Senior Capstone Project allows the graduating class to publicly display the mastery of their academic formation at JPG.
"No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light." (Luke 11:33)
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Through the Capstone research, presentation and defense process, each student in the senior class will:
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Contemplate the virtues and gifts given to him by God to plan for a capstone topic area best fitting to his unique personhood.
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Create a culminating project that reflects a humble gratitude for all the blessings he has received during his years of formation at JPG.
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Formulate and revise a strong thesis statement that is engaging, defensible and of proper scope to the nature of the final presentation.
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Discern the characteristics of various sources to determine what research is authoritative and appropriate, and that which is fallacious and should be disregarded.
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Publicly defend his own writing through an oral presentation in the presence of staff, students, family and other JPG community members.
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Take care to consistently meet deadlines without procrastination, communicate often with faculty advisors and take personal responsibility for his own project.
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Write with eloquence, persuasion and order.
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Understand and explain—in writing and orally—how his major area of study is in line with the moral and social teachings and of the Catholic Church.
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Embrace the teachings of St. Josemaria Escriva in sanctifying ordinary work, by consistently acting with diligence and joy.
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Model excellence in all things, particularly in public displays of the accomplishments of his academic pursuits
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