The St. Mary’s Project (SMP) is a year-long, 8-credit, capstone of study at St. Mary’s.
SMPs are an independently designed and executed course of study. Working in close conjunction with one or more professors, in or outside of the department, students have the opportunity to explore, in depth, a question or idea that entrances and intrigues them.
An SMP may take the form of a research paper or a creative expression of the arts. It may include collaborative work and build upon components of internships, study-abroad programs, and other experimental formats, as well as traditional research skills.
Theater SMPs
An SMP is a two-semester, eight-credit independent, original course of study in theater arts. The project may be scholarly (e.g. a written thesis or research paper) or artistic (e.g. directing, acting, design, dance performance or choreography, playwriting, screenwriting, film/video making) in nature, but all projects must address reciprocity between theory and praxis and should encompass an appropriate range of liberal arts disciplines. Projects must receive the prior approval of a faculty member in TFMS. All projects will lead to some form of public presentation.
Film and Media Studies SMPs
An SMP is a two-semester, eight-credit independent, original course of study in film and media. The project may be scholarly (e.g. a written thesis or research paper) or artistic (e.g. directing, acting, design, dance performance or choreography, playwriting, screenwriting, film/video making) in nature, but all projects must address reciprocity between theory and praxis and should encompass an appropriate range of liberal arts disciplines. Projects must receive the prior approval of a faculty member in TFMS. All projects will lead to some form of public presentation.
Highlighted SMPs
- Self, Designed (2013), an SMP short in film and media studies, by Steven N. Bradford
- A Living Museum (2012), an SMP documentary short in film and media studies about the historical recreation ship, the Maryland Dove, and her crew; The Importance of Being an Oyster: The Marylanders Grow Oysters Program (2011), a documentary produced for the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association, by Emily Sillcox
- Were They Here before the War? (2012), a 13-minute abstract documentary SMP in film and media studies about Point Lookout State Park, the site of a Civil War camp for Confederate soldiers; The Process of Drone (2012), an experimental documentary short about drone music, by Justin Foreman
- “The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs” by Simone Benmussa – Directed by A. Gilligan, for his SMP – Mentor: Prof. Michael Ellis-Tolaydo
St. Mary’s Projects Exhibitions (link to SMP site)
Learn more about St. Mary’s Projects