Teaching life lessons in a capstone course: software engineering as a finishing school

While many software engineering programs focus on the theoretical aspects of that discipline, the capstone course [2] at Siena College has evolved into hybrid course that emphasizes "life-lessons" as well as the traditional software engineering materials. The capstone course still retains the basic structure of a typical software engineering course, with a yearlong team project that adheres to the waterfall model. However, team members' communication skills are tested throughout the year; a client relays his or her problem to the team in a fashion similar to real world interactions. At the end of each stage in the waterfall model (five stages in all), the team must make a powerpoint presentation where every member must speak in front of the class, clients, and other guests. Other communication exercises occur throughout the year, including resume creation, mock interviews, etiquette lessons, and mandatory classroom discussions.