English Department essay contest offers three $75 prizes
The English Department is accepting submissions for its annual essay contest. Three $75 cash prizes will be awarded to the writers of the best ENGL 110 essay, the best ENGL 111 or 112 essay, and the best ENGL 190 essay. These prizes will be given at the May 2007 Honors Convocation.
All University of St. Thomas students enrolled in English 110, 111, 112 or 190 during the 2006-2007 academic year are eligible. Any essay written for these courses that responds in some way to literature can be submitted. If possible, submissions should include a rough draft that demonstrates substantial revision. Essays revised after being submitted for the class are acceptable, even encouraged. No more than two submissions per student are allowed.
Submissions should not consist entirely of narrative without reflection. A panel of three English Department faculty members will judge the essays.
Criteria:
- The writer addresses a fairly complex question and puts it in a context
- The essay has a clear focus and sense of purpose
- Generalizations are supported with details and examples
- The writer uses language with care, conveying the sense of a person present in the words, engaging readers
- The essay generally is free of errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling
Format for submission:
Essays should be typed and double-spaced. Please paperclip the essay pages together – do not staple. Since they will be judged blindly, 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. Submitted essays will not be returned, so make sure you keep a copy for yourself.
The deadline for submission is 3 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2007.
Bring your essay to the English Department in Room 333, John R. Roach Center for the Liberal Arts.
Questions about the contest can be referred to the English Department, (651) 962-5600. Contest criteria and rules also are available on the English Department Web site.
