Milton Prize, Old Testament

The John Milton Prize for Outstanding Work in Old Testament will be awarded at commencement to the student(s) submitting the best paper(s) in the area of Old Testament studies. The prize includes a monetary award.

Papers written by graduating M.Div. or M.A. students during their seminary careers are eligible. These may be course papers, independent study projects, or papers written for this occasion (M.A. theses are not eligible.) Papers may be recommended by members of the faculty or submitted by students independently. Questions about the award should be addressed to the Chair of the Bible Division.

A student may submit no more than one essay for consideration for the Milton Prize. To submit an essay, deliver two copies to the Chair of the Bible Division by the April deadline (see below for specific deadline). Students' names must NOT appear anywhere on their papers. Include a short cover letter with the two copies, giving your name and declaring your desire to be considered for this prize.

Eligible students must submit their entries during the academic year in which they intend to participate in the Seminary's commencement ceremonies.

The following criteria will be used in adjudicating the Milton Prize:

• Argument or thesis

• Engagement with primary and secondary sources

• Clarity of presentation

• Use of primary languages

• Consistent and correct use of citation and bibliography (we recommend The Shortcut, which also contains instructions for  consulting the Society of Biblical Literature's standards for citations in biblical scholarship.)

• Creativity

Deadline for submissions for the 2008-2009 academic year: April 27, 2009