British Association for American Studies (BAAS) BIPOC Postgraduate Essay Award

The British Association for American Studies (BAAS), established in 1955, promotes research and teaching in all aspects of American studies. The Association organises annual conferences and specialist regional meetings for students, teachers and researchers. The publications produced are The Journal of American Studies with Cambridge University Press, BAAS Paperbacks with Edinburgh University Press and British Records Relating to America in Microform with Microform Publishing.

In order to tackle significant obstacles in higher education caused by systemic racism, the BAAS support scholars of colour through its postgraduate essay award. It is awarded for the best essay-length piece of work on an American studies topic written by a student currently registered for a postgraduate degree at a university, or equivalent institution in Britain.

Scholarship details

• The prize for the award is £500
• Winners will also have the opportunity to be involved in one-on-one workshops with the editors of the Journal of American Studies and the European Journal of American Culture
• Submissions on the topic of social justice are of particular interest to the panel
• Submissions should be between 3,000 and 5,000 words
• All submissions should be accompanied by a letter from an institutional representative, tutor, or supervisor, confirming that the student is studying a postgraduate degree or has been accepted for such
• The essay itself should be suitable for publication as an article in a professional journal
• The authors name should not appear in the essay itself but it should be included in the cover letter

Eligibility

• The essay prize is open exclusively to Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latinx, Arab, and any other students of colour/Global Majority students
• All submissions must be on an American Studies topic
• Applicants must be currently registered for a postgraduate degree at a university or equivalent institution in Britain

Assessment criteria

• Is there a clear and compelling argument?
• Are claims accompanied by evidence and analysis?
• Does this essay demonstrate impressive close reading of a primary text(s)?
• Does this essay demonstrate knowledge of, and critical engagement with, the field of scholarship?
• Does the essay demonstrate originality of thinking?
• Does this essay represent the impact within its field?

Application

• Essays should be anonymous – no names or institutional affiliation must appear on the essay itself
• Essays, with accompanying covering letter, should be submitted via email to: awards@baas.ac.uk