Essays should be between 3,000 to 4,000 typed words (including footnotes, title, and bibliography) and conform to the Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition. Each essay should begin with an introductory paragraph in which the author defines “Judeo-Christian Ethic” along with a summary of the paper’s thesis.
Essays will be peer-reviewed based upon a standard rubric measuring the paper’s focus on the topic, application to society, argumentation and critical thinking, accuracy and understanding of information, originality, and writing quality. To qualify for this essay contest, authors must be current graduate students at the master’s or doctoral level from an accredited institution of higher learning. Submissions by authors who are not currently enrolled in masters or doctoral programs will be rejected and not considered.

The closing date for receiving essays shall be December 31, 2022. 

The practical benefits of the Judeo-Christian ethic upon educational, political, or legal systems.

The benefits that are enjoyed in society because of the Judeo-Christian ethic.

The continued relevance of the Judeo-Christian ethic within society.

The historical development of the Judeo-Christian ethic upon western civilization.

The application of the Judeo-Christian ethic upon careers and vocation.

Jesus’s use of the Judeo-Christian ethic for modern decision making.

A cash prize and publication within the Southwest Journal of Arts and Sciences will be awarded to those with the top essays in the competition. Cash awards shall be:

Grand Prize Winner – $5,000 (one recipient)

First Runner Up – $2,500 (one recipient)

Second Runner Up – $1,250 (one recipient)

Honorable Mention – $1,000 (two recipients)

Terms and Conditions for the Practical Application of a Judeo-Christian Ethic in Society

Essay Contest

In consideration of the essay contest for the Practical Application of a Judeo-Christian Ethic in Society, I (the person submitting the essay) hereby warrant and undertake:

1. that this essay is an original work, has not been published before, and is not being considered for publication elsewhere in its final form either in printed or electronic form;
2. that I have obtained permission from the copyright holder to reproduce in the essay (in all media including print and electronic form) material not owned by me, and that I have acknowledged the source;
3. that this essay contains no violation of any existing copyright or other third party right or any material of an obscene, indecent, libelous or otherwise unlawful nature and that to the best of my knowledge this essay does not infringe the rights of others;
4. that I will indemnify and keep indemnified the Editors, Southwest Journal of Arts and Sciences, Friends of the Judeo-Christian Ethic, LLC, peer-reviewing judges, and University of the Southwest against all claims and expenses (including legal costs and expenses) arising from any breach of this warranty and the other warranties on my behalf in this Agreement;
5. that my essay is authored solely by me and is not co-authored by any other individual whether stated or unstated;
6. that should my essay be selected as a top essay, I am required to submit my essay for publication within the Southwest Journal of Arts and Sciences and will agree to the terms and conditions for said journal located at https://journal.usw.edu/;
7. that should the essay be accepted for publication, I will complete and sign the Copyright Assignment Form for the Southwest Journal of Arts and Sciences, returning it to the appropriate editor, thereby transferring copyright to University of the Southwest;
8. that should the essay not be accepted for publication, I will retain all rights for the essay;
9. that I have removed any and all identifying markers in the essay so that the evaluation may be “blind”;
10. that I am a master’s or doctoral student from an accredited institution of higher education, have indicated on my essay the name of my academic institution and my graduate level at it, and am willing (upon request) to verify my current enrollment at that institution;
11. that should my essay be selected as a top essay for the reception of a dollar amount exceeding $600, I must submit a W-9 form complete with taxpayer ID number to University of the Southwest in order to receive the cash award
12. that I understand and agree that the determinations of the judges concerning essay awards are final and that there is no right to appeal from those submitting essays