SUGGESTED ESSAY TOPICS:
Articulate with clarity an ethical issue that you have encountered and analyze what it has taught you about ethics and yourself. Note that the most engaging essays often reflect deeply on a particularly meaningful experience or episode in one’s life. That approach could focus ethical reflection:
• an academic inquiry
• a dilemma in literature or film
• a recent article or editorial in a major newspaper
• a current conflict in American life
• an international crisis
Please note: *This topic is only a suggestion. Students may write about any topic they wish, provided it explores an ethical problem, question, issue, or concern.
Essays will be judged on:
• The quality of the writing
• The clarity of the ethical problem or issue
• The depth of the essay’s ethical analysis – including, for example, reflections on matters of right and wrong, justice and injustice, and the implications of those reflections for society
WHAT THE READERS LOOK FOR:
• Clear articulation and genuine grappling with an ethical dilemma.
• Adherence to guidelines and carefully proofread essays.
• Observation of rules for Standard English usage (grammar, punctuation, mechanics) in writing.
• Thoroughly thought-out, tightly focused essays.
• Originality and imagination.
• Eloquence of writing style.
• Intensity and unity in the essay.
ESSAY FORMAT:
• In 3,000 to 4,000 words, you are encouraged to raise questions, single out issues and identify dilemmas.
• Essays may be written in the formal or informal voice, but most importantly, an individual voice should be evident.
• The essay should be developed from your point of view and may take the form of an analysis that is biographical, historical, literary, philosophical, psychological, sociological or theological.
• Essay must be the original, unpublished work of one student. Only one essay per student per year may be submitted.
• All essays must have a title.
• All essays must be written in English.
• Essay should be titled, typed in 12-point font easily readable font (such as Times New Roman), double-spaced with 1″ margins and numbered pages.
• 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 document. Our office will put a code on your essay.
