GAYLORD PRIZE FOR INDEPENDENT STUDY RESEARCH IN ASIAN STUDIES

The Program in Asian Studies is pleased to announce the Fall 2024-2025 competition for the Gaylord Prize for student research. 

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this prize is to encourage and support independent work by students interested in Asia and Asian diasporas. Prizes will be awarded for projects proposed by both individuals and small groups. Students are encouraged to consider group projects in which they can learn from and motivate each other. Independent work will be broadly interpreted to include both independent research and other projects that enhance understanding of the Asian region and Asian diasporic experiences.

AWARDS:

Research in the US: The award amount for independent research projects in the United States will be $400. No lengthy justification for the award request is required--a simple explanation for how the funds will be used is sufficient.

Research outside the US: If foreign travel is an integral part of the research proposal, students must apply to at least one additional funding source, such as the Venture Grant Committee, and include a budget in their proposal. Awards will be $1,200 per proposal. 

COMPETITION:

Proposals must be submitted by e-mail to the Asian Studies Program’s Administrative Assistant (Tiffany Moore; tmoore@coloradocollege.edu) by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25th (the first Friday of Block 3). Students will be notified of the committee's decision by e-mail within a month. The committee will make awards based on the merits of the proposal, the contribution of the proposal to the student's/(s') education and indication of the individual or group's ability to complete an independent project. Funding is available for several projects to receive awards for this round of competition. Note: Venture Grant proposals are due by 5pm the first Wednesday of the block on Summit, and students will be notified of Venture funding decisions through Summit during the first week of the following block. 

ACADEMIC CREDIT: 

Students may receive academic credit for this work with the consent of their academic sponsor if they are registered in an approved course.  Academic credit, however, is not necessarily associated with a project.

If the student is on a study abroad program, the research must be carried out when classes are not in session (e.g., before or after a course takes place or during a long break in the semester).

REQUIREMENTS:

First, second, and third-year recipients will have one year to complete their work. Seniors must complete their work before graduation. Upon completion of the project, each individual or group is required to submit a brief written project completion report to the Asian Studies Program. In addition, all award winners will be required to make a presentation of their work to a student/faculty group. Students are highly encouraged to disseminate their work through other means such as an article in the Lotus or Catalyst.

APPLICATION:

To apply for a research prize you must submit a proposal to The Asian Studies Program. Each proposal must include the following sections:

1. Title of the project.
2. Name(s) and class(es) of applicant(s).
3. Specific aims of the proposed project.
4. Reason for pursuing this work; including its contribution to your education at the college.
5. How the work will be done (procedures, research methods, activities, etc.)
6. A description of the output; i.e. a paper, a report, a journal, etc.
7. Your preparation for this independent work (including courses, work experience, and extracurricular experience) that will enable you to complete the project.
8. Available resources: i.e., library, faculty, and other resources (enclose a bibliography).
9. Resumé(s) must be attached.
10. Transcript(s) must be attached.
11. Other funding applications for this project. If funding of foreign travel is requested, please enclose a budget. Please note that preference will be given to proposals from students with language experience relevant to their intended destination.
12. A timetable detailing when each stage of the project, as well as the entire project, is to be completed.
13. Please arrange for a letter of support to be submitted by a faculty sponsor by the deadline.

 Proposals should be no longer than two to three typed, single-spaced pages (excluding resumes and transcripts).

 Each proposal must be sponsored by a Colorado College faculty member. You are encouraged to discuss your proposal with an appropriate faculty member and to seek guidance while you are doing the work. A written statement of support from a faculty member should be sent to Tiffany Moore by the deadline.         

ELIGIBILITY:

 All applicants must have taken at least two courses in Asian Studies. Gaylord-funded research may not be undertaken while the student is enrolled in a CC course or study abroad program, however, many students choose to conduct Gaylord-funded research immediately after such a course or program concludes or during extended breaks.

 Students who have received a Gaylord Prize may apply again in subsequent years. Such projects will only be considered if funding remains after awarding viable first-time applications. They will thus receive lower priority than first-time applications.

 

QUESTIONS: Please contact Professor Jason Weaver (jweaver@coloradocollege.edu) with any questions you have about the award program.