Capstone

FGSS majors are required to complete a capstone, which integrates feminist, gender, and sexuality studies theories with community engagement, research, or creative expression. To complete the capstone requirement, majors graduating in 2025 or later must take FEMGEN 104X in their junior year. In this course, students develop their capstone project proposals, design a research question,  determine their research methodology, and conduct a literature review. Students have the option to start their capstone research the summer before their senior year. FEMGEN 104X will be followed by FEMGEN 199A: Capstone & Honors Workshop (2 units) in Autumn Quarter of senior year. 

All capstone proposals are reviewed and approved by the FEMGEN 199 instructor(s) and a separate faculty advisor is not required. Capstone projects may include academic writing or creative elements—such as visual art, poetry, video, audio, performance, or multimedia—paired with a critical written component. Creative projects must meet scholarly standards and clearly articulate their research context, audience, and methodology. Units earned through the FEMGEN 199 series do not count toward the major’s unit requirement.

FGSS Capstone Requirements for 2025-2026

• Declare FGSS Major
• Complete all FEMGEN core courses and majority of major coursework
• Enroll in spring quarter of FEMGEN 104X junior year
• Enroll in autumn quarter of FEMGEN 199A senior year
• Complete one of the below options

Option 1 - Capstone Research Paper Guidelines

• A clear research question grounded in feminist, gender, and sexuality studies
• Preliminary literature review and identification of theoretical frameworks
• Description of research methods (qualitative, archival, textual analysis, ethnographic, etc.)
• Timeline and structure for writing and revision
• Meeting with FEMGEN 199 instructor(s) during the preceding spring quarter
• Produce 5,000 – 7,000 word paper (without notes and figures)
• Participation in a public presentation or symposium in spring quarter

Option 2 - Capstone Project Creative Work Guidelines 

• A substantial, original project that engages feminist/gender/sexuality studies critically and imaginatively. Examples include:
  • Performance or theater production
  • Visual arts (e.g., photography, painting, sculpture)
  • Film or digital media
  • Creative writing (poetry, fiction, personal essay, or hybrid forms)
  • Multimedia installations
• The creative work should be accompanied by a 2,000 word analytical paper (using at least 10 quality sources) that contextualizes the creative work within feminist/gender/sexuality studies and/or how it is in conversation with other creative work in the field
• Must include relevant theory, research, and personal reflection on process and impact
• Demonstrates interdisciplinary engagement and rigorous academic thinking
• Participation in a public presentation or symposium in spring quarter
• Opportunity to share the work with the FGSS community and broader campus audience

Read more about the capstone