The Middle East Center at the University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce this year’s essay contest for undergraduates, for a first place prize of $500 awarded by the Center. The competition is open to all current Penn undergraduates. Essays may deal with any topic within the context of the modern Middle East, broadly defined geographically. Papers addressing any aspect of Middle Eastern history since the late eighteenth century will be considered for the prize. All entries should be the student’s original work and previously not published elsewhere.

Please submit entries to labaronp@sas.upenn.edu with the subject “Undergraduate Essay Contest” no later than March 29nd, 2013. Essays should range from 4000 to 8000 words, not including notes, charts, appendices, and bibliography. Please use MLA citation when submitting papers.

Congratulations to Ellen Frierson, the winner of the 2012 contest.