The Political Science Department at Central European University invites students to the third edition of the Undergraduate Essay Competition.
Topics
1. The intersection of technology and human rights – cyberwarfare, big data, and privacy concerns.
2. The paradox of populism - does "Power to the People" threaten democratic institutions?
3. Digital democracy: Can technology enhance civic engagement?
Prizes
1. The winning essay(s) will be published on the departmental website
2. The best submissions will receive signed certificates of excellence from the CEU Political Science Department.
3. In case the winners get enrolled in CEU Political Science Department’s MA programs, the certificates are accompanied by financial prizes to support studying at CEU:
- First place prize: one-time grant of €1000
- Second place prize: one-time grant of €500
Participation in this competition is an achievement unto itself and can be discussed in interviews, on CVs, and in personal statements for universities.
Participation is open to all recent BA graduates and BA students in the final year of their studies. Students from any country can participate.
Rules & Requirements
1. Choose one topic
2. Submit an essay in Word format
3. 1200 words maximum (not including bibliography)
4. Double spaced
5. English
6. Font: Times New Roman, size 12
7. Any citation style is acceptable, as long as it is consistent
Criteria
1. Independent piece. Plagiarism is a serious case of academic misconduct and will be met with disqualification.
2. Essays should be concise, analytical, and imaginative
3. Clarity of the argument
4. Clear structure
How to Enter
To enter, fill out the form below with your details. You will receive then a personal link through which you will upload your essay in Word format.
https://forms.office.com/e/KNeYrAZAWu
Deadline
23:59 CET, 12 January 2025
Previous years' winning essays:
1. 2023: Răzvan-Ionuț Foncea (Sciences Po, Paris) Strategies of Hope: Lessons in Democratic Resilience, from Maia Sandu to Marinika Tepić
2. 2022: Lucia Cagalová (Comenius University Bratislava) It’s The Other Way Around: autocracy is challenged by democracy.
Check out an interview with Lucia Cagalova.
In case of any questions please send an e-mail to polsci@ceu.edu.
Good luck!