Capstone course, also known as capstone unit, advanced thesis or advanced seminar, is the final experience of educational plan, usually a comprehensive experience. Apex courses, modules, projects, subjects or institutions in the context of higher education can also be called Apex experience, advanced seminars (in the United States), or projects or papers in the last year (more common in the United Kingdom). This course is generally offered in a practical major. It is a course for students to integrate the knowledge they have learned, make full use of this knowledge and cultivate relevant skills and attitudes.

This term comes from the final decorative roof or "hat stone" used to complete a building or monument. In higher education, this term has been widely used in the United States since the mid-20th century, although there is evidence that it was used as early as the end of1800s. In other countries, students' grades and undergraduates' employability are particularly concerned. State-funded projects in Australia and Britain have further enhanced the image of peak experience.

Extended data

First, the class is mainly aimed at senior students in American universities, especially those who are about to graduate. This course has two main features:

1.？ Provide students with opportunities to integrate their knowledge, master skills and professional attitudes;

2.？ To prepare students for entering the real workplace, that is, by requiring students to complete some applied projects, such as short-term internships and free services, students are provided with opportunities to participate in "actual combat drills", so that students can apply the knowledge and skills they have learned before to solve practical problems and pave the way for students to enter the professional society. ?

Second, at the 2 1 Advanced Seminar and Top Course Education Summit, according to different teaching objectives, strategies and themes, the top courses were divided into five categories:?

1, academic summary course: The primary purpose of this kind of course is to summarize what you have learned before. These courses can also be seen as a bridge between academic and practical work, but some institutions use this course to encourage students to continue their graduate studies. ?

2. Interdisciplinary courses: These courses provide learning opportunities for a small number of students majoring in cost and other related majors. Generally speaking, such courses are offered in private schools, and students usually meet the general requirements of related majors through a period of study. These courses often emphasize the role of different academic majors in society. ?

3. Transition courses: These courses mainly teach practical work skills, postgraduate learning methods and social life after graduation. Generally, it is taught by teachers in the school employment guidance center. Such courses often take 1 semester. The course content mainly includes students' transition from campus to society, and makes targeted plans for students' possible jobs and upcoming lives. The discussion revolved around self-assessment, financial planning, job-hunting skills and psychological counseling at work. ?

4. Career planning course: Career planning course helps students adapt to the mentality, ability and skills needed for practical work in advance. This kind of courses may be taught by teachers in vocational guidance centers or senior HR teachers in enterprises. Students generally don't care too much about their grades, but more about what they have really learned. The main contents of such courses include: analyzing the development trend of work in this field, workflow, the role of new employees in the workplace, resumes and interview training. ?

5. Other courses: The teaching purposes of these courses are almost the same as the above four categories, but they may involve cross-border internships or fixed-point training. Usually, professors teach in person, with fewer than 9 students, which is considered as the most advanced course. ?