The St. Mary’s Project (SMP) is a year-long, 8-credit, capstone of study at St. Mary’s.
SMPs are an independently designed and executed course of study. Working in close conjunction with one or more professors, in or outside of the department, students have the opportunity to explore, in depth, a question or idea that entrances and intrigues them.
An SMP may take the form of a research paper or a creative expression of the arts. It may include collaborative work and build upon components of internships, study-abroad programs, and other experimental formats, as well as traditional research skills.
Religious Studies SMPs
Projects in religious studies typically involve:
- Research
- Critical reflection
- A written articulation of a topic
Students should be able to:
- Make arguments
- Cite relevant literature
- Draw appropriate conclusions in their work
In addition to classic research and argumentative writing projects, the department welcomes collaborative, experimental and/or multi-disciplinary projects.
Highlighted SMP
Dreyer, Caitlin — A Feminist Analysis of the life and works of Catherine of Siena (mentor: Katharina von Kellenbach)