Undergraduate Student Essay Contest

Subject: Any topic in the general field of religious studies
Language: English or French
Length: minimum 2500-maximum 5000 words, typed and double-spaced (word count does not include footnotes or bibliography)
Eligibility: Undergraduate student status at a Canadian university or college for the upcoming or preceding academic year (September-August). Student does not need to be a member of the Canadian Society for the Study of Religion (CSSR) to submit in the undergraduate category. Limit one entry per student. Students cannot win two years in a row in the same category.

Entries which do not meet these criteria will not be eligible for consideration.

First Prize: $250
Second Prize: $100
Deadline: August 1, 2024

Requirements:

  • Essays do not need to be written specifically for this contest. They may be assignments from a course. Essays that have been previously published or are forthcoming publications are eligible.
  • Essays must be typed and double-spaced (word count does not include footnotes or bibliography) and sent in Word or text format (PDFs will not be accepted).
  • Essays must be accompanied by a letter of support from a member of the sponsoring religious studies department or program, certifying the degree and program status of the student and indicating that the student is in good standing in that university or college. Letters should be submitted by the referee directly.
  • Students must also attach this form (as a PDF) or this form (as a fillable Word document) with their application.

Entries which do not meet these criteria will not be eligible for consideration.

The entire essay application, including all forms and letters of support, must be submitted by email to CSSR Member-At-Large Kalpesh Bhatt (kbhatt@umw.edu) by 11 pm EST on August 1, 2024.