Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest
Purpose
The Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest is an annual competition that is designed to challenge college students to analyze the urgent ethical issues confronting them in today's complex world. Students are encouraged to write thought-provoking, personal essays.
This Year's Suggested Essay Topics are...
- Reflect on the most profound moral dilemma you have encountered and analyze what it has taught you about ethics.
- Examine the ethical aspects or implications of a major literary work, a film, or a significant piece of art.
- What is the relation between religion and ethics in today's world?
- How can ethics transform for the better a community, institution or nation?
- What is the relationship between genocide and ethics?
Funding
- First Prize - $5,000
- Second Prize - $2,500
- Third Prize - $1,500
- Two Honorable Mentions - $500 each
Eligibility
Registered undergraduate full-time juniors or seniors at accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States and Canada during the fall 2006 semester.
Selection Criteria
- Adherence to design format and carefully proofread essays
- Well thought out essays, which do not stray from the topic
- Depth of feeling, genuine grappling with a moral dilemma
- Originality and imagination
- Eloquence of writing style
- Intensity and unity in the essay
Essay Format
- If you're intending to submit an essay, please contact Michael Hemesath, Professor of Economics, 507/222-4105, Willis 315.
- Essays may be written in the formal or informal voice, but most importantly, an individual voice should be represented within the essay.
- In 3,000 to 4,000 words, students are encouraged to raise questions, single out issues and identify dilemmas.
- The essay may be developed from any point of view and may take the form of an analysis that is biographical, historical, literary, philosophical, psychological, sociological or theological.
- Essays must be the original, unpublished work of the student and only one essay per student per contest year may be submitted.
- Essay should be in English, typed in 12-point font, double-spaced with 1" margins and the pages numbered.
- Submissions will be judged anonymously. Hence, no name or identifying references (i.e. your name, school, or professor) should appear on the title page or in the manuscript. Our office will put a code on your essay.
Faculty Sponsor
- Any interested professor at the student's school may act as a Faculty Sponsor.
- Students entering the contest are required to have a Faculty Sponsor review their essay and sign the Entry Form.
- Faculty members should only endorse thought-provoking, well-written essays within the contest guidelines.
- A maximum of four entries per professor per contest year will be accepted.
Submission of Materials
- Please submit three (3) copies of your essay (one copy paper-clipped and two stapled).
- In addition, be sure to enclose a completed Student Entry Form & a Faculty Sponsor Form (available on web site below).
- Include a letter on school stationary from the Registrar's Office, verifying your eligibility (see above).
- Entries must be postmarked on or before Friday, December 7, 2007. No faxed or e-mailed entries will be accepted.
- Please note that due to the volume of entries, no materials will be critiqued or returned.
Internal Deadline
Contact Michael Hemesath
Official Deadline
Friday, December 7, 2007. Entries must be postmarked on or before the deadline. No faxed or e-mailed entries will be accepted.
Adviser
Michael Hemesath Professor of Economics 507/222-4105, Willis 315.