The 2012 AFSAAP Postgraduate Essay Prize
Awarded for the best postgraduate paper(s) presented at
the 2012 conference
Sponsored by Monash University
Any student enrolled in a
tertiary institution in the Australasia-Pacific region may submit a paper read
at the AFSAAP Postgraduate Workshop or the annual conference for consideration
for the AFSAAP Annual Conference Postgraduate Prize.
The paper must be related to African Studies.
Research proposals are not eligible.
Written papers should be submitted as hard copy and electronic copies (in Word format) at the time of presentation to the conference convener, that is, during the course of the conference. The paper submission must be an essay in its complete form.
The written paper should not exceed 4500 words (plus references and bibliography) and should be written in a style acceptable for publication in an academic journal.
Papers should be submitted on A4 paper with double or one- and-half point line spacing and a 12 point Arial font typeface.
Standard conventions for academic publishing should be followed.
All papers should be accompanied by a declaration that the paper is the student's own work, and a completed copy of the entry form (available at the conference and on the AFSAAP website). Revision of work taking account of a lecturer's marking is valid, but papers should NOT have been submitted to formal review by or for an editor of a book, journal or working paper series.
Papers will be judged by a panel selected by the Executive Committee, to include, at least, two senior academic members of the Association. The decision of the panel is final, and if in their opinion, no entry is regarded as of high enough standard, they may decide not to award a prize.
Papers will be assessed according to the following criteria:
a) definition and justification of the topic and/or problem within the broader context;
b) understanding of the topic - including use of appropriate references;
c) analysis of key issues - including presentation of argument, discussion and conclusion;
d) level of scholarship - including originality and/or contribution to knowledge;
e) clarity of writing and structure; and
f) accuracy - including completeness and consistency in presentation and referencing.
All entrants will be advised of the successful postgraduate, and a notice will be placed in the Australasian Review of African Studies subsequent to a decision having been made by the judges.
Submissions: One hard copy must be submitted to the Conference Convener after presentation at the conference, and an electronic copy of your submission must be forwarded to the AFSAAP Secretary – email secretary@afsaap.org.au – at the time of the conference.