Our annual Bill Gallaher Essay Contest is open to any undergraduate student. The essay may be about any subject that deals in some direct way with issues pertinent to the study of religion. Papers need not have been written for a Religious Studies course.

Criteria on which papers will be judged include clarity, focus, development of the subject or problem, use of evidence and sources, originality and creativity. While the paper must be academic it may use innovative and creative styles of writing.

To apply: Undergraduate papers should be 10-20 double-spaced pages in length. When submitting your essay, make sure your name, phone number, email address, and class standing are clearly indicated on the front page, and number subsequent pages.

The essay must be a minimum of 10 pages. Students who have shorter essays from their previous and current coursework are encouraged to expand those papers for submission. One submission per student. First prize $500; second prize $300; third prize $200.

Deadline for receipt of all materials: March 1st. 

All papers must be digitally submitted to the Religious Studies office: religion@iu.edu.