WRITE and WIN!!
2007 UAB Discussion Book Essay Contest
Essay Topics – Choose one:
Topic 1: Discuss the reasons why you believe All Over but the Shoutin' does or does not reinforce stereotypes of people from the rural south. Be specific in characterizing and/or defining exactly what stereotypes Bragg does or does not reinforce.
Topic 2: The lives of Rick Bragg and his two brothers have followed very different trajectories. Referring to specific characters in All Over but the Shoutin’, discuss and draw conclusions about the relationship between poverty, character, and self-development.
Eligibility: To be eligible for this essay contest, you must be a currently enrolled student at UAB or be employed as faculty or staff at UAB as of the contest deadline. Members of the 2007 UAB Book Discussion Committee* and their immediate family are not eligible.
Submission Requirements:
ü Essays should be approximately between 500 and 1,200 words in length.
ü The first page of your essay must include (1) your name and category (student or employee); (2) mailing address and telephone number; (3) E-mail address; and (4) the statement: “This essay is my own original work. I understand that, if selected as a winning essay, it may be posted on the Discussion Book web site, appear in UAB publications, or distributed by UAB without additional compensation to myself.”
ü No name or identifying information should appear in your essay or on any page other than the first page.
ü Submit your typed essay electronically to jsizemor@uab.edu with “Discussion Book essay” in subject line. Deadline for receipt has been extended to December 31.
Selection Process: Essays will be reviewed by the 2007 UAB Discussion Book Committee* on the following criteria:
- The essay demonstrates the writer's serious reflection on the question.
- The essay is focused and well-reasoned.
- The essay is written clearly, with correct spelling and grammar.
Prizes: A UAB Discussion Book Award certificate and $200 will be awarded to the author of the best essay in each of two categories: Student and Employee. The Discussion Book Committee reserves the right to not award a prize in any category if the number or quality of entries is deemed insufficient.
Winners will be notified in spring term. Winning essays will be posted on the Discussion Book website.
Questions: Call Dr. Marilyn Kurata at 996-6420 or send e-mail inquiries to mkurata@uab.edu with “Discussion Book query” in subject line.
* 2007 UAB Discussion Book Committee: Thomas Alexander, Carolyn Braswell, DeeDee Bruns, William Cockerham, Robert Corley, Allan Dobbins, Michael Froning, Patricia Higginbottom, Phredd Hunter, William Hutchings, J. Michael Kilby, Marilyn Kurata (chair), Heather Martin, Warren Martin, James McClintock, Bradley Newcomer, Laura Talbott-Forbes, Rodney Tucker, Dale Turnbough, Bettye Wilson.