For over 40 years, every student at Hampshire College has completed a yearlong capstone project — the Division III. Although it is common for a college to have a required project for an honors program, it is unusual to have a required capstone for all students, and it is perhaps unique to have a universally required project of the magnitude of the Hampshire Division III. Because it is so different from how other college students spend their final year, many students don’t know what is expected. Consider it to be the equivalent work of about 3 courses each semester.
Your Division III project is the central activity of your final year of study. It comprises a major piece of independent research or creation in the form of a written thesis, artistic production, or both. It demonstrates your ability to handle complex concepts and questions using research or production skills in your area(s) of focus. But, your Div III is not just the product. Your Division III is also about the process- learning to manage a large project, making decisions about focus, marshaling resources, deepening your research and/or production skills, learning new techniques and strategies, and much more!
What do some Division III projects look like?
There are a number of places to see sample Div III’s and to contribute your Division III.
The Division III Showcase is the virtual exhibit space for Divisional Work at Hampshire College supported by the Harold F. Johnson Library. It is just underway – consider participating. The page contains links for searching the Div III archives.
You can read about some featured Division III projects too.