The Ralph Waldo Emerson Society invites applications for the 2023 Undergraduate Student Essay Prize

Undergraduate students are welcome to submit 1,000-1,500-word academic essays on any topic relevant to the study of Emerson—his life, work, national and transnational reception, importance within and beyond U.S. literature and culture, and/or contemporary relevance. Winning essays will demonstrate originality, clarity, and rigorous engagement with Emerson. Selected essays may be returned to applicants with suggested revisions. The winning essay will be published in The Emerson Society Papers and the writer awarded $100. 

• Submissions should be 1,000-1,500 words and follow the 9th edition of MLA style.
• Submissions should include an informational cover letter containing the applicant’s name, essay title, academic status and affiliation, e-mail address, and postal address.
• Please submit documents by email—with the subject line “Emerson Society Student Essay Prize”—to Prentiss Clark (Prentiss.Clark@usd.edu) by May 1, 2023.