American Studies accepting essay contest entries

Students encouraged to participate in 2014 Carret Essay Contest

Carret Essay Contest submissions are due electronically to Samuele Pardini, coordinator of the American Studies Program (spardini@elon.edu) by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 4.  Please put your name only on the cover page to facilitate blind review.

Submissions should adhere to the following guidelines:

  • While you may write from any disciplinary perspective, please use primary and/or secondary sources. Include a list of your sources, documented according to the discipline in which you are working. 
  • Essays should be between 1,500-2,000 words (roughly six to eight pages).
  • Include a 300-word summary of your essay with your submission. 
  • The American Studies Advisory Board will evaluate all submissions and will consider depth of insight, felicity of expression, creativity of approach, rigor of research and power of argumentation. 
  • First prize is $1,000 and a paid overnight trip to Monticello, including special recognition at an evening program; second prize is $500; and third prize is $100.  In addition, the three winners will present their ideas at a Carret-themed session on SURF Day (April 29).  
  • All contestants will be invited to a celebratory dinner the evening of Thursday, April 16; contest winners will be announced at the dinner.
  • Students are encouraged to work with a faculty mentor on the project. If mentors have any questions about their mentoring role, please direct them to Cassandra Kircher, coordinator of the Carret Essay Contest (kircherc@elon.edu).