Essay Contests

Bill Gallagher and Department of Religious Studies Essay Contests

Senior Honors Thesis Research Grant

Awarded in the fall and the spring, on the basis of the best thesis prospectus, drafted in the first semester (R399), that outlines the research project to be completed.To be eligible, the prospectus must be submitted by the final class day of the first semester.The prize is $100 toward research expenses in the second semester (R499).Research expenses are to be approved by the student’s thesis advisor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. For more information contact Professor Harrill, Director of Undergraduate Studies at jharrill@indiana.edu.

Bill Gallagher Essay Contest 2008

Topic: Open theme

TOPIC is open but should deal in some direct way with issues pertinent to the study of religion. Papers need not have been written for a religious studies course.
Criteria on which the papers will be judged include clarity, focus, development of the subject or problem, use of evidence and sources, originality and creativity.  Undergraduate papers should be 10-20 double-spaced pages in length.  Please make sure your name, phone number, email address, and class standing are clearly indicated on the front page.  Good luck!  And have fun!

Minimum of 10 pages.  Students who have shorter essays from their previous and current coursework are encouraged to expand those papers for submission.

THREE PRIZES:

First prize $500

Second prize $300

Third prize $200

Guidelines for Submission:

While the paper must be academic it may use innovative and creative styles of writing.  Criteria on which the papers will be judged include clarity, focus, development of the subject or problem, use of evidence and sources, originality and creativity.  Please make sure your paper is double spaced and your name, phone number, email address, and class standing are clearly indicated on the front page.  Good luck!  And have fun!

Deadline for submissions is March 31, 4pm, in Sycamore 230.

Department of Religious Studies Annual Essay Contest

Topic is open but should deal in some direct way with issues pertinent to the study of religion.  Papers need not have been written for a religious studies course. Criteria on which the papers will be judged include clarity, focus, development of the subject or problem, use of evidence and sources, originality and creativity.  Undergraduate papers should be 10-20 double-spaced pages in length.  Graduate papers should be 15-25 double-spaced pages.  Please make sure your name, phone number, email address, and class standing are clearly indicated on the front page.  Good luck!  And have fun!

Graduate division restricted to students working towards a graduate degree in Religious Studies.Graduate papers should be 15-25 double-spaced pages.   $100 prize for winning essay.

Senior honors thesis division open to undergraduates enrolled currently or enrolled Fall 2006 in R499 Senior Honors Thesis course.  $100 prize for winning essay.

Winners of these contests will be announced at the Departmental Honor’s Day celebration.

Deadline:

All papers must be submitted to MaryLou Kennedy Hosek in Sycamore 230 by the deadline of 4PM, Friday, April 4.