Rowland A. Sherrill Prize in Religious Studies: Essay Contest
Overview
This scholarship recognizes outstanding work on a designated topic in religious studies. This award honors the memory of longtime Chair and Professor of Religious Studies, Rowland A. Sherrill. In addition to the monetary benefit, this award can enhance future applications to graduate school and/or employers, who seek evidence that an applicant can formulate and argue a thesis effectively across various media. A major benefit of this award is the formal recognition of these analytical and communication skills.
Selection Criteria
Students submitting work for the competition must be undergraduates enrolled at IU Indianapolis (papers from all disciplines and departments are welcome). Eligibility is restricted to students enrolled in the current academic year.
Students are free to address any of a broad range of issues from any disciplinary perspective as long as their work engages with the topic of religion and culture. Submission may take the following forms:
- Traditional academic essays (minimum 7 pages, double-spaced, standard font and margins)
- Digital portfolios featuring multimedia analysis and presentation
- Academic podcasts or video essays (minimum 10 minutes)
- Interactive digital exhibits or websites
- Other innovative digital media formats (subject to pre-approval)
All submissions, regardless of format, must demonstrate:
- A clearly articulated thesis or central argument
- Systematic development of ideas supported by empirical evidence
- Engagement with scholarly sources and proper attribution
- Professional presentation appropriate to the chosen medium
Past recipients have written essays on a wide range of topics. For example, they have observed people living out their religious practices in writing about the use of sacred time in Wiccan rites and the disparity between youth and adult styles in a congregation's worship. They have addressed religion and politics in discussing religious practices of nonviolent peace building and the debate over whether the United States is a Christian nation. They have written about religious influences on different work ethics, and they have analyzed the challenge of feminist theology to traditional religious authority.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Scholarly Merit
- Clear thesis/central argument
- Coherent development of ideas
- Support through concrete examples and evidence
- Appropriate use and citation of academic sources
- Comprehensive bibliography/works cited
- Technical Execution
- Professional quality appropriate to chosen medium
- Effective use of format to advance argument
- Clear organization and structure
- Adherence to medium-specific best practices
- Academic Integrity
- Proper attribution of all sources (following any standard citation method)
- Compliance with university guidelines for academic integrity
- Original work that advances scholarly understanding
How to Apply
Visit our scholarship application website to apply for this scholarship. You must meet the eligibility requirements.