Students in the School of Arts and Social Sciences are invited to submit an essay on ‘Encounters in and between the West and the Middle East’.
This new competition is being run for the first time in memory of Rosemary Hollis (1952-2020), former Professor of Middle East Policy Studies and Director of the Olive Tree Programme at City, as we approach one year since losing her.
A distinguished political scientist, inspiring teacher, and former Head of the Middle East Programme at Chatham House, she was a world-renowned commentator and author of Middle Eastern affairs, both in regard to internal regional dynamics and concerning EU, British and US involvement.
Her last book, Surviving the Story: The Narrative Trap in Israel and Palestine (2019), is not just another analysis of the peace process but is a reflection on the journey of mutual understanding and future vision to which herself and the young people of the Olive Tree committed their hearts and intellects.
Who can enter
The competition is open to students in every department—so whether or not the study of the Middle East is part of your course, please consider entering if it is a region in which you are interested. You can write a fresh piece, or you are also allowed to submit relevant essays that you might have produced in the course of the year for particular modules at City.
The judges will be looking for originality of argument supported by sound evidence. As the Times said its obituary of the scholar in whose memory this competition has been started, ‘Hollis was direct, driven and no-nonsense.’
Prizes
There will be separate prizes for undergraduate and postgraduate students, with £100 given for the best essay, and £50 second prize, in each category. Prizes will be given in retail vouchers.
How to apply
Essays should be 2,000 words in length, not including bibliography, written in 12 point Times New Roman, and submitted as a Microsoft Word document or pdf. Email to RHessay@city.ac.uk.
The closing date for entries is 21st June 2021 at 9am.
Winners will be announced towards the end of summer term.
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