Common Experience

The Common Experience theme for 2007-2008 is "Identity in a Multicultural World: Who Am I?" All IU Southeast students are eligible to submit an interpretation of the theme using any one of the following genres: essay, poetry, research paper, two dimensional art piece, or photography. Submissions will be accepted both in the fall and spring. Recognition of fall winners will be in November 2007, and recognition of spring winners will be April 2008. The top 3 submissions for each semester will receive cash prizes, and their work will be placed on the IU Southeast Common Experience website.

Due Dates

Fall submissions are due October 25, 2007
Winners announced November 26, 2007
Recognition Ceremony November 28, 2007

Spring submissions due February 29, 2008
Winners announced March 20, 2008
Recognition Ceremony April 7, 2008

Instructions

Students can decide which mode best represents their ideas regarding the Common Experience theme, "Identity in a Multicultural World: Who Am I?"

Essay

An essay submission requires a 800-1200 word document, typed (12 point font), double spaced with standard margin widths and have a cover sheet with name and contact information. An essay is nonfiction and is defined by a greater dependence on the writer's analysis and insights (potentially foregrounding personal experience), rather than on a source material, even though some research may be included. Only one essay per person can be submitted each semester.

Poetry

A poetry submission requires a minimum of 20 lines in any form provided it is original and the individual work of the entrant. A cover sheet with name and contact information is required. Only one poem per person can be submitted each semester.

Research/Report

A research/report submission must not exceed 10 pages and have at least 5 sources. It must be typed (12 point font), double spaced with standard margin widths and have a cover sheet with name and contact information. This category includes work which depends primarily on research and investigation to support its insights, claims, and findings (although personal experience may contribute to a lesser degree). The writer may give credit to the research either formally (MLA, APA, or other academic formats) or informally within the text itself, yet research should be substantial.

Art

All art submissions must be two dimensional to allow for display on the Common Experience website. A majority of the composition must be created by the artist. Only one art piece per person can be submitted each semester.

Photography

Photo submissions must have appropriate lighting, eye-catching color, sharpness, and uniqueness. Above all else they must be beautiful, truthful and represent a creative image. Submission can be one photo or a montage of photos not to exceed 5.

Submit all items to Gloria J. Murray, Chair of the IU Southeast Common Experience Committee, no later than the deadlines above (no exceptions to the deadline). Submit essay, poetry, and research items electronically in Microsoft word via email to glomurra@ius.edu. Art work and photography may be delivered to the School of Education main office in Hillside Hall 0020.

Previous Winners

Spring 2008

1. Jennifer Martens – Essay

Fall 2007

1. Michael Maupin – Essay
   
2. Desiree Tudder – Poetry
   
3. Pascalle Ballard – Art