Scripture & Theology Essay Competition

Note: Students are permitted to enter the same (or a similar) essay in both the essay competition and the colloquium Call for Papers, so long as it adheres to the requirements of both. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Author must be a graduate or undergraduate student in an academic degree program at a recognized institution of higher learning.
• Only one essay may be submitted per competition cycle.  An author cannot receive 1st prize in the same category (Undergraduate or Graduate) two years in a row.
• Submission must be an original, unpublished essay.  Modified versions of essays submitted to a class are acceptable.

Submission guidelines

• Essays must be no more than 3000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography.  Essays will be trimmed at the 3000th word and referees will not read beyond that point.
  
• Include a title page which contains:
• The essay title
• The author’s name and current institution and program of study
• The author’s contact information, including permanent postal address, email, and telephone number
• Do not include your name on any page of the essay body.  It should only be on the title page.
• Essays should be in Times New Roman font, 12pt, double-spaced. 
• Submissions must be received by 11:59pm ET on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 .

Evaluation criteria

Essays will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Clarity of thought and articulation, including a clear thesis and argumentative structure, as well as proper grammar and syntax
• Scholarly excellence, including engagement with properly referenced primary and secondary sources
• Originality, including fresh approaches to the question posed
• Theological commitment, including demonstrated engagement with Christian Scripture, history, faith, and/or tradition(s)

Essays will be read in light of Wycliffe College’s principles and commitments.

Consent

Winning essays may be published on our website.  By submitting an essay, you consent to its online publication.