Signature Work calls for all students to investigate one or more questions, problems, or issues that are of particular importance to themselves and to society. Students will engage with their SW project for much of their time at DKU. In their junior year, students begin to identify a topic connected to their major and a mentor in a related field. By the end of that year, they will write a formal proposal, supported by preliminary research and approved by their mentor, that lays out their aims and methodology. In their senior year, they conduct the bulk of their original research/work, write up their findings, and present them publicly to the university community. For many students, the SW process and product represent a major step toward their post-undergraduate careers.
Though SW projects vary considerably across fields and disciplines, all fall under one of two categories: scholarly and creative/design. Scholarly projects are broadly concerned with generating original academic research (in the natural or social sciences, humanities, etc.); their chief product is a 25-30 page research paper. Creative/Design projects are primarily centered around a substantial non-academic product – a work of art, a business model, a policy paper, etc. – which will also be accompanied by a formal written statement of 15-20 pages. These products, along with a poster and video presentation, will be submitted in the student’s final session at DKU as their SW Portfolio. Grades will be assigned by SW mentors and will encompass both the portfolio components and the consistency, quality, and timeliness of the student’s work with the mentor up to that point. A Second Reader Review ensures quality; students whose work does not meet MOE/JED standards will be required to submit revisions. Exceptional work may be nominated for SW Distinction, an academic honor bestowed at graduation.
In curricular terms, SW has two major components. First, students will identify three thematically-linked courses at DKU or Duke, drawing from their interdisciplinary courses, disciplinary courses, or electives. Second, students will take 8 credits of Capstone courses one-on-one with their mentor, during which they will complete much of the actual work of their SW projects.
