Melissa Purgert

Dr. Gatti
COR 499
8 December 2016
Project Management
Throughout the course of the semester I conducted a research project on What is Evil?. In
order to define this concept of What is Evil?, I studied it through multiple lenses and created a
lesson plan as my final product. For the presentation of my research, I conducted a class focused
on this enduring question using case studies with the Evil Eye, Nero, and the Pope
Excommunicating the Mafia. Below I have created a rubric based on my goals for the semester,
in addition to requirements that were necessary for the COR 357 course.
Goal
Conduct a research project
focused on Rome

Use different theories and

philosophies for this timeless
question

Insight on enduring question

presented to Dr. Gattis class

Success Level Explanation

Medium-High The topic of my overall project was not
necessarily related to Rome; however, my case
studies were each related to Rome in some form.
The sources I chose for the question of What is
Evil? for Nero and the Pope Excommunicating
the Mafia made the connections to Rome very
evident, whereas the connection between the
Evil Eye and Rome was not quite as clear. The
reason I feel that the Evil Eye was not as clear is
because while the source I chose discussed
Medusa as an origin for the belief, the source
did not necessarily have very deep, direct
connections to Rome made evident, even though
underlying connections undeniably existed.
Medium-High Throughout the process of my research I looked
at elements ranging from the derivation of the
word evil, to how evil is defined across
disciplines today. While I did incorporate
different viewpoints from a variety of
disciplines, because the question is so large and
there is so much to explore, I cannot
satisfactorily say I researched all the theories
and philosophies necessary to understand this
question.
Medium
Sharing this enduring question was significantly
more complicated than I had expected. While I
think that my preparation for the class itself was
adequate, and the materials I had the students
read were important and informative, the

Co-Presentation among peers High

Develop skills in mentoring,

public speaking, research,
and analysis

High

Positive, creative,
independent progress

High

Time Management

Medium

connection with taking this information and

connecting it in class was something I truly
struggled with, and I think may have been
evident during the class itself.
The presentation style I chose was to take the
duality of my research project and present it to
my peers. I think that the presentation itself was
well practiced and I was able to share the most
important aspects of my project. Unfortunately,
I think that I rushed while actually presenting to
the class, because I knew based on run-throughs
that I had been over my time-limit in the past.
Regardless, I still think this presentation went
very well in terms of articulating the research I
conducted over the semester.
One of the most important aspects of a Capstone
is to come away with new abilities,
understandings, and methods to showcase your
knowledge. After having taken this capstone, I
feel less anxious while presenting, I think I have
cultivated new abilities in sharing my
understandings with peers, my abilities to
conduct research have improved, and my ability
to take data and apply it to circumstances has
progressed as well.
Overall, the end product of my core capstone
makes me excited about what I have been able
to accomplish over the course of this semester. I
think the questions I have been able to ask
myself and Dr. Gatti have allowed this project to
explore exciting avenues in relation to What is
Evil?.
While I completed my tasks within a timely
manner, for my own personal sake I think I
could have improved my time management in
relation to this project.