KEN OLSEN COMPETITION: Disciplinary Perspectives on a Changing World
Kenneth Olsen (1928-1986) taught at St. Olaf for twenty-one years, beginning in 1962. Dr. Olsen worked to incorporate concern for peace and non-violence on campus during the Vietnam War. He was also concerned with issues of racial justice and the inclusion of Native Americans on the St. Olaf college campus.
The Ken Olsen Paper competition honors student papers that address the relationship between sociology/anthropology and the mission of St. Olaf College.
St. Olaf sociology/anthropology majors are invited to submit reflective papers that address the question:
Ken Olsen had a passion for using sociology and anthropology to think about social justice issues and public policy. Submit an essay which is the testimony you imagine you would submit to a Congressional committee considering government policy for a social issue or problem of your choice (the war in Iraq, poverty, immigration, same-sex marriage, the “decline of the family,” drug use, etc.). You would not necessarily have to come up with a detailed answer or solution to the problem you select, but should try to persuade the committee why ideas, research, concepts, and perhaps even a theory or two from sociology and/or anthropology would be important to bring to bear as they consider their policy options. You would be helping them to frame the issue in a way they may not have considered, and would suggest what sociology and anthropology might help them know about the issue that political considerations or the short-run costs to taxpayers would probably leave out.
Papers should:
- specifically address the concepts, ideas, and research strategies of sociology or anthropology, and incorporate specific examples
- include citations and a bibliography, using a standard format
- be 1,500 – 2,000 words plus bibliography
Creative approaches are encouraged.
Monetary prizes will be awarded, of $200, $150, and $100.
The deadline for submission is Friday, February 29, 2008.
