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Undergraduate Research Conference

Culture, Language, and Performing Arts Awards

Culture and Language Research Awards

Anthropology/History

1st Place: $200

2nd Place: $125

3rd Place: $50

Humanities/Intercultural Peacebuilding

1st Place: $200

2nd Place: $125

3rd Place: $50

Hawaiian Studies/Pacific Studies

1st Place: $200

2nd Place: $125

3rd Place: $50

There are three categories within the Culture and Language Research Awards, and the categories correlate with most of the programs that exist within the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts. Submissions must be made specifically to one of the three categories to be considered for an award (a submission cannot count for more than one category).

Each research paper will receive blind peer reviews from the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts. The judging rubric will include the following:

  • Format:
    • Abstract.
    • 1800-2000 words (not including cover page and citations).
    • APA or Chicago style.
    • 12-point font typed and double-spaced.
    • Submitted as Word document.
  • Thesis and objective of paper:
    • Clearly stated and focused.
  • Content evaluation:
    • Clear argument of thesis, solid understanding of the topic, avoids speculative or unsupported sources, and unique contribution to the conference.
  • Scholarship:
    • Includes full and complete endnotes/citations in APA or Chicago style.

Note: One (1) award is given to each winning entry. Prizes will be split among group members.

Performing Arts Awards

Music/Theatre

1st Place: $200

2nd Place: $125

3rd Place: $50

This award will be given to the top three performing arts presentations. Students will engage a public audience in a deeper understanding of their art via any of the following:

  1. A traditional research-based presentation in a music-related field (musicology/theory/education/pedagogy/composition, etc.) or theatre-related field (technical theatre/directing/dramaturgy/playwriting, etc.), with or without live performance.
  2. An original composition, monologue, or play (performed live or presented through A/V clips) alongside insight into the composers’ or playwrights’ process.
  3. A series of musical or theatrical performances accompanied by spoken program notes (context about each piece).

Each submission will receive blind peer reviews from the CLAPA faculty. The judging rubric and submissions should include the following:

  • Content Understanding
    • Student has a deep, personal understanding of the material
    • Originality of research or creative approach
    • Presents new insights or perspectives in the field
    • Performances are expressive, musically intelligent, and technically accurate
  • Delivery
    • The presentation is well paced and transitions between speaking and performing (if applicable) are smooth and logical.
    • The organization of the subject matter is clear.
    • The presenter is confident, poised, and professional.
    • Presentations should be no longer than 15 minutes.
  • Supporting Materials
    • All materials including handouts, illustrations, and PowerPoint slides are well organized, visually appealing, and enhance the presentation by supplying pertinent details and source information.

Note: One (1) award is given to each winning entry. Prizes will be split among group members.