Geneva College announces the second annual Undergraduate Essay Contest honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Those participating in the contest will complete an essay which responds to a quote from Dr. King′s letter from Birmingham Jail, or claims made by Dr. Terrence Roberts and Michael Emerson in their books Simple, Not Easy and Divided by Faith.
The deadline for essay submission is January 13, 2011.
After all essays are evaluated by a panel of judges, three prizes will be awarded as follows:
Third Place $75
Second Place $150
First Place $300
The first-place essay writer will present the paper to a gathered audience on Friday, January 21, 2011 in Skye Lounge located in the upper level of the student center.
Last year′s winners were: David Ketter, first place; Greg Williams, second place; Danielle Nowak and Matthew Schroeder, tie for third place.
The rules for the contest are:
- All traditional undergraduate students at Geneva are eligible to apply.
- All essays are to be written in direct response to one of the questions identified below.
- All essays must be double-spaced and no shorter than five (5) pages in length and no longer than ten (10) pages in length, not counting a cover page.
- The cover page must include the following information: Title of Essay; Name of Author; Date of Submission; Email Address of Author; Telephone Number of Author; and, the Signature of Author that will bear testimony to the fact that the essay is in compliance with Geneva′s Academic Honesty policies.
- All essays must have one-inch margins on each page and utilize a font that is no less than 11 point.
- All essays must include a minimum of three bibliographic references appropriately cited.
- All essays must be submitted in hard copy form to Ms. Cindy Cook or to Dr. David Guthrie no later than Friday, January 13, 2011 at 12:00 Noon.
Each participant should respond to one of the following topics:
- In his "Letter From Birmingham Jail," Dr. King wrote: "Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will." To what extent do you agree, disagree, or both with King′s assessment?
- In his book Simple, Not Easy, Dr. Terrence Roberts suggests that developing and sustaining a grace-filled, inclusive community will necessarily involve "…a process that frightens some and seems unwise to others." As Geneva attempts to make progress towards such a community, to what extent will Dr. Roberts′ view be accurate?
- In his book, Divided by Faith, Michael Emerson argues that evangelical Christians may perpetuate racial divisions rather than eliminate them. Do you agree, disagree, or both with Emerson′s point of view in this regard?
- Is diversity defensible biblically? Why and/or why not?
Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College′s philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).
