Are you a budding intellectual? On the lookout for a space where you can indulge in your curiosity, express your love for the liberal arts and share your ideas for a revolutionary vision of the social sciences throughout all streams of knowledge?
Well, look no further because Sociology Group, an organisation that strives to promote knowledge and critical thinking, is thrilled to announce its first ever Online Writing Competition!
The competition’s goal is to increase awareness about and emphasize the importance of social sciences such as Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Political science, Economics, History, Philosophy, Law, Journalism, Linguistics and English literature. It provides a platform to showcase their value in shaping our understanding of societies and cultures. Through participation, we aim to encourage a deeper appreciation for these disciplines’ insights, fostering a broader recognition of their significance in shaping our world. Join us to explore, contribute, and enrich your knowledge while acknowledging the breadth of these subjects.
Eligibility
To both stimulate and celebrate interdisciplinary exploration, the competition is open to any and all undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students enrolled in a recognised educational institution, irrespective of their educational background. Candidates may submit papers related to any of the social sciences listed above, leaving a broad spectrum of research topics to choose from.
Awards and Recognitions
Every entry stands a chance to win outstanding prizes in any of the 10 subject-categories!
1st, 2nd & 3rd Prize: Memento + Gift Prize + Certificate of Achievement
4th & 5th Prize: Gift Prize + Certificate of Achievement
The first place winner in each category will also be offered an opportunity to internship with Sociology Group and join its undertakings.
All approved submissions will be awarded with a Certificate of Appreciation, to acknowledge the hard work and effort of each of the participants and further encourage their intellectual endeavours.
Guidelines
In order to ensure a fair, just competition, participants are kindly requested to adhere to the following submission guidelines:
Subject Categories: Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Political Science, Economics, History, Philosophy, Law, Journalism, linguistics and English literature
Submission Format: Only typed out submissions, either in Word document is preferable and Handwritten entries are not acceptable.
Language: All submissions must be written in English.
Word Limit: Entries should maintain a word limit of 800- 5000 words.
Submission Type: Either research papers, essays, articles or reports can be submitted, but the entries must adhere to the conventions of academic writing and include proper formatting and references/citations.
Content: The work may either be previously written or fresh, newly written content, but must not have been previously published.
No. of Submissions: Participants are welcome to submit multiple entries.
Please note that no plagiarism will be entertained. All submitted content, whether previously written or fresh, must be original and not infringe on copyright or intellectual property rights. Plagiarism, including unattributed copying from external sources, is strictly prohibited. Any plagiarised submission will immediately be disqualified.
Submission Timeline
The competition is scheduled to be held next month, from 4th September to 18th October. Entries will be accepted on the submission portal from the 4th onwards, any entry submitted beyond the 18th will not be considered.
All submissions are to be emailed to [email protected]
By submitting their work, participants retain the ownership of their entries but grant Sociology Group the permission to evaluate, publish and promote them.
Evaluation
A panel of scholars hailing from varying fields of social science have been chosen to review the submitted entries and evaluate them based on the criteria of content depth, relevance, creativity, writing style, originality and proper referencing.
The decision of the judging panel is binding.
This writing competition acts as an open invitation to young, budding scholars across the nation to make new discoveries in the fields of social science and impart their knowledge into the realm of academia. It aims to facilitate interdisciplinary play within social sciences, the sciences that our very existence thrives on. With your entries, a future where intellectual curiosity persists can be created.
The results of the competition will be announced on October 30th, 2023 on our Instagram.com/sociology_official keep an eye out for updates. Our team is looking forward to reading your work. Best of luck to all the candidates! The Sociology Group reserve the right to modify or amend the terms and conditions of the competition if deemed necessary. Participants will be notified of any changes made in prior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there an entry fee for the competition?
No, there is no entry fee. Participation in the competition is free of charge.
Q. Where am I supposed to submit my paper?
All of your entries should be submitted to the email [email protected]
What should I send in the email when submitting my entry?
Along with your entry work, please include your full name, age, contact information, category (Academic Research Paper or Opinion Essay), title of your work, word count, a brief bio, and a declaration of originality.
Q. Can I submit both an article and an essay?
Yes, participants are welcome to submit multiple entries! Both article and essay will be considered as separate entries.
Can I submit more than one entry in a single email?
Yes, you will be awarded only in the chosen category. We will select the best from your submissions.
Q Who can participate in the competition?
The competition is open to individuals of all age groups and backgrounds who have an interest in social sciences. Whether you are a student, researcher, professional, or enthusiast, you are welcome to participate. Students who passed out from college/university are also eligible.
Q. I am a medical student, am I still allowed to participate in the competition?
Of course! All undergraduate and postgraduate students are welcome to participate in this competition. Our aim is to promote academic discourse and spark discussion about new insights in the realm of social science. If you have a peculiar interest in the social sciences despite coming from a medical background, or even if you have something to add to your field of medicine in connection with a social science, this competition is for you! Interdisciplinary exploration is absolutely encouraged.
Q: What is the Sociology Group?
A: It is not an official organization recognized by government authorities; rather, it is a platform for social sciences students to share their views, simplify concepts for better understanding, and enhance the scope and significance of social sciences disciplines in order to contribute to creating a better society.
Q. Are handwritten entries accepted?
No, unfortunately handwritten entries will not be considered for the competition. In order to check your submissions for plagiarism, our team requires participants to make only typed out entries.
Q. Can I submit my paper on Whatsapp?
For the sake of keeping track of all the entries, submissions must only be made to the email [email protected]. Entries will not be accepted on Whatsapp.
Q. What is meant by memento?
The mementos for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position are trophies awarded to the winners to recognise their achievement and serves as a token for them to remember the competition by.
Q. Can I make changes to my submission after it’s been sent?
Unfortunately, no changes can be made to submitted entries after they have been sent. Please ensure that your submission adheres to the guidelines before sending it.
Q. Will feedback be provided for all submissions?
While it may not be feasible to provide feedback for all submissions, the judges will offer constructive feedback to selected entries to encourage skill enhancement and improvement.
Q. Will my contact information be used for any other purpose?
Your contact information will only be used for communication related to the competition and will not be shared with third parties.
Q. Can I submit a previously published work?
No, all submissions must be original and not previously published. Plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.
Q. Can I collaborate with others on a submission?
Yes, you can collaborate with others on a submission. If your entry wins, the prize will be divided among the collaborators. Please ensure that all collaborators’ names and details are provided during submission.
Q. Are interdisciplinary papers accepted in the competition?
Yes, we welcome interdisciplinary papers that bridge various social science subjects, fostering a holistic understanding of complex societal issues and Book reviews are also allowed.
Q. Will all entries be published on the website?
No, only qualified entries that meet the competition’s standards will be published. This ensures that participants receive recognition for their valuable contributions.
Q. Can I submit a previously written paper or essay that I’ve used for academic purposes?
While we encourage original work, you can submit a previously written paper or essay as long as it has not been published elsewhere and meets the guidelines and requirements of the competition.
Q. Is there a specific theme for the competition?
There is no specific theme; participants are free to choose a contemporary social issue or topic that falls within the scope of social sciences. This allows for a wide range of perspectives and analyses.
Q. Is English Literature considered a social science?
No, English Literature is not considered a social science. But we are accepting entries from this category too.
Q Can I submit multiple entries within the same category?
Participants are allowed to submit multiple entries within the same category. However, each entry should be distinct and stand on its own merits.
Q. Will I retain the copyright to my submitted work?
Yes, participants will retain the copyright to their submitted work. However, by submitting to the competition, participants grant the organizers the right to publish winning entries in relevant platforms, once its published we cannot delete it.
Q. Can I make edits to my submission after it has been sent?
No, once a submission has been sent, you will not be able to make further edits. Please review your work carefully before submitting.
Q. Are there any restrictions on the topics we can choose?
While there are no strict restrictions, we encourage participants to choose topics that are socially relevant and align with the aims of the competition. Topics that promote inclusivity, diversity, and critical analysis are highly encouraged.
Q. How do I know if my submission was received successfully?
Upon submitting your entry via email, you will receive confirmation email acknowledging the receipt of your submission in 24 hours, If you do not receive a confirmation email, please reach out to us to ensure your submission was received.
Q. Will the competition consider entries from international participants?
Yes, the competition is open to participants from all around the world. However, please ensure that your submission adheres to the language requirements and guidelines specified.
Q. Can I withdraw my submission if I change my mind?
Yes, you can withdraw your submission by sending an email to [email protected] indicating your intention to withdraw. You can request till September 17th.
Q. How will we be receiving the prizes?
All candidates whose submissions have been approved will receive their certificates via email. The winners in the 1st-5th position will be contacted via email as well for their mailing address to receive their mementos and gifts. Future correspondence will occur via email.
Q. Where can I find the results?
The results of the competition will be posted to our Instagram handle: Instagram.com/Sociology_official on October 30th, 2023. Updates regarding the competition will be available there.