Essay Contests

Undergraduate Honors Essay 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 Richard Nance, Director of Undergraduate Studies at rfnance@indiana.edu. Deadline for Spring 2012: April 27.

Undergraduate Honors Essay Contest 

Awarded in Spring, on the basis of the best Honors Essay written for R499 in the current academic year. 2012 Deadline: All papers must be submitted to Kim Evans in Sycamore 230 by 4:00 pm, Friday, April 13, 2012. Electronic submissions accepted at kimlevan@indiana.edu.

Read about our 2011 Honors Essay Winners >

Undergraduate Bill Gallagher Essay Contest

The Bill Gallagher contest is the department's annual undergraduate student essay contest and is open to any undergraduate.

Topic: Open theme

The 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. While the paper must be academic it may use innovative and creative styles of writing. 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. Please number subsequent pages.

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

Deadline for submissions: All papers must be submitted to Kim Evans in Sycamore 230 by Friday, March 30, 2012 at 4:00 pm. Electronic submissions accepted at kimlevan@indiana.edu.

Read about our 2011 Gallagher Essay Winners >

Spotlight: Bill Gallagher Gives $25,000 Endowment to Department

Graduate Student Essay Contest

In accord with established tradition the religious studies department holds an essay contest each spring. The contest is open to all graduate students, regardless of departmental affiliation. The winners of this contest is announced at the Departmental Honor's Day. Prize of $100 will be awarded to the graduate winner.

Papers submitted for consideration need not have been written for departmental courses provided they deal in some direct way with issues pertinent to the study of religion. Criteria on which the papers will be judged by the undergraduate and graduate committees include clarity, focus, development of the subject or problem, use of evidence and sources, originality and creativity.

Graduate papers should be 15-25 double spaced pages. Please make sure your name, phone number, e-mail address, and class standing are clearly indicated on the front or title page only. Please number your pages.

Winners of these contests will be announced at the Departmental Student and Faculty Reception celebration.

Deadline for submissions: All papers must be submitted to Kim Evans in Sycamore 230 by Friday, April 6, 2012 at 4:00 pm. Electronic submissions accepted at kimlevan@indiana.edu.

Read about our 2011 Graduate Essay Winner >