Annual Student Writing Prize
The Annual Student Writing Prize in the Department of Political Science gives students the opportunity to explore today’s political issues through original research and writing. First launched in Spring 2025, the competition received such enthusiastic participation that it quickly became an annual department tradition. Open to undergraduate majors and minors in Political Science or International Studies, the prize features two categories of writing and recognizes outstanding student work through departmental awards and academic recognition at Baylor University.
2026 Critical Reflection Prize Winner
Tyler Anderson, Junior
Political Science Major
2026 Policy Analysis Prize Winner
Sarawat Islam, Junior
Biology Major
2026 Call for Papers
All undergraduates with majors or minors in Political Science or International Studies are encouraged to participate by submitting an original essay in one or both of the following categories:
- Critical Reflection;
- Policy Analysis.
A winner from each category will be recognized at the Department of Political Science and International Studies Undergraduate Awards Ceremony on April 23, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., held in the BDSC in the Baines/Fentress rooms.
In addition, each winner will be able to choose books and/or any merchandise from Baylor Bookstore equivalent to $100. The winning essays will also be published on the Political Science Department’s website.
Critical Reflection Prize:
Is it possible for a society composed of individuals possessing diverse goods [and attachments] to be ordered entirely around shared belief in abstract political principles, or does the preservation of a flourishing society require that its members share a community of goods and attachments as well as political principles?
Policy Analysis Prize:
Do changes in foreign policy strategy affect great powers and middle powers differently in their pursuit of long-term security and diplomatic objectives? Use evidence from a specific country or countries to support your argument.
Essay Guidelines:
• Each essay should address only one Prize category (Critical Reflection or Policy Analysis).
- Students can choose to participate in one or both Prizes.
- 1200-1500 words essay in English
- 12 pt font, 1-inch margins, Chicago style citation (in-text citations or footnotes)
- Double-spaced in Word .doc/.docx format