Student Essay Contest

English Major Student Essay Contest

Any undergraduate student who has 48 or more total credits and has officially declared a major in English, a major in English with Writing Emphasis, a major in English with a Teacher Education Emphasis (5-12), or a major in Literary Studies may enter this contest by submitting essays written for any ENGL 211 or above English course during the current 2012-2013 academic year. Should a minimum number of entries not be received by the contest deadline, the department reserves the right to award no prizes.

Guidelines: 

• Submissions must analyze a text (literature, poetry, or drama) or a topic related to literary studies (such as film pedagogy, writing theory) from one or more critical perspectives. 
• Essays will be judged on the thesis, the use of evidence to support that thesis, the strength of conclusions, academic merit, literary merit, and creativity of thought.
• Submitted essays must be fifteen pages or less (this page count does not include the works cited page).
• No more than one submission per student.

Format for Submissions:

Essays should be typed, double-spaced. Please paperclip the formal essay pages together—do not staple. Since it will be judged blindly by a panel of English faculty, do not include your name on the essay itself, just a title. With your essay, submit a cover sheet that includes your name, the essay title, the class for which the essay was written, the instructor’s name, and your on-campus mail number. You have the option of discussing your essay submission with your instructor for revisions and suitability. Please note that submitted essays will not be returned.

Deadline:

Essay(s) must be received by the English Department administrative office (JRC 333) by 3 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2013.

Prize:

A first prize of $150 and one second prize of $100 will be awarded.