Student Conferences: Calls for Papers

Many colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and abroad host student conferences. Students interested in philosophy and religion should feel welcome to attend these conferences, which are generally free and open. If you’ve recently written a paper that you’d like to submit to a conference you should keep an eye on upcoming conferences and their deadlines. Many are open to all topics, and are close to our general location. Those that require travel sometimes include travel stipends for accepted participants. Your experience presenting your work is tremendously valuable and can assist you as you apply for graduate school and career opportunities moving forward. The resources below keep updated logs of the many conference, fellowship, and publication opportunities available to undergraduates in philosophy and religion.

Student Publication Opportunities 

Publications are a great way to gain experience and recognition for your hard work on those class papers. While converting a term paper into a publication sometimes takes extra work, having published work on your resume is an excellent way to stand out from the crowd when applying for post-graduate opportunities. Below are a list of undergraduate journals that publish papers. Check out their websites to get a sense of the deadlines, lengths, and topics that they accept.

Note: Unless otherwise specified, you may only submit your paper to one journal at a time, so look through each website to try to pick a good match for your paper. Review recent issues of the journal to get a sense for the kinds of work they publish, and send inquiries to those with outdated websites before taking on the work of preparing your paper for submission to their journal.

All Disciplines

Stanford Undergraduate Research Journal

SURJ is an interdisciplinary journal that seeks to celebrate and inspire undergraduate research from Stanford and leading institutions worldwide. Papers should be 2000-4000 words in length and written for a well-educated general audience. This year’s deadline for submission is January 9th, 2014. Submit papers via email to LSJU.SURJ@gmail.com.

Student Pulse: An International Student Journal

Student Pulse is an online open-access academic journal focused on publishing the work of university students from around the world in a wide range of academic disciplines. By highlighting undergraduate research and the academic work of graduate students, Student Pulse endeavors to facilitate the dissemination of the best student scholarship into the public, professional, and academic discourse. Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit to Student Pulse. Work completed while enrolled at a university is also acceptable. There are no formal length requirements, however it is unlikely that we will accept submissions below 1,500 words. Most submissions are between 2,500 and 7,000 words. Longer works are also considered. Submission guidelines can be found here.

Humanities and the Arts

intersections

intersections accepts submissions at any time without prompt. We do not specify deadlines, as submissions are posted in an upcoming issue when they are deemed complete. Theses, research papers, seminar papers, and essays need only fit within the our general scope – which includes subjects typically addressed in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Send submissions to: intersectionssubmissions@gmail.com

The Lamar Journal of the Humanities

The Lamar Journal of the Humanities is an interdisciplinary journal published twice yearly by the College of Arts and Sciences of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.  Papers of interdisciplinary or general interests in the fields of literature, history, contemporary culture, and the fine arts are appropriate for submission.  Languages accepted are English, German, French, and Spanish.  Detailed studies of highly specialized topics, literary explications which do not elucidate broader historical or ideological issues and statistical essays in the social sciences are not encouraged but will be considered.  Manuscripts, normally not to exceed 6000 words, should conform to the MLA Handbook or the Chicago Manual of Style

Valley Humanities Review

The Valley Humanities Review is an online journal dedicated to the publication of excellent undergraduate research in the fields of the humanities. They seek essays of high quality, intellectual rigor and originality that challenge or contribute substantially to ongoing conversations in the humanities. Topics may include but are not limited to: literature, history, religion, philosophy, art, art history and foreign languages. VHR is also currently seeking poetry, fiction, and non-fiction submissions; students may submit up to three poems or one other creative work. VHR is committed to undergraduate research and scholarship in the field; therefore, we only accept submissions by current or recently graduated undergraduate students. Our reading period runs from September 1 to December 15 of each year. All submissions received outside of these dates will be returned unread. All submissions should adhere to the Chicago style in formatting, footnoting and bibliography. Essays should be between 3,000 and 6,000 words in length, be free of errors and have an original title; essays in languages other than English may be 2,000 to 6,000 words. All submissions should be free of any identifying marks such as names, addresses, or school affiliations. Please give contact information in the body of your email. All contest submissions should be emailed tosubmissions-vhr@lvc.edu as a Word document attachment.

Philosophy Journals

Arete

Arete, The Undergraduate Philosophy Journal of Rutgers University, accepts paper submissions for publication in its Spring issue early each October. On the order of 3 papers are published each year, digitally and in print (limited run). Traditionally, only work from college upperclassmen is encouraged, as analytic rigor is a prerequisite for publication. That being said, any paper of exquisite quality from any field of philosophy is welcome for submission.

Submissions should not exceed 8,000 words, with a cover page, abstract, and citations. For the purposes of blind review, do not include information in the text of your paper that identifies you as the author or the institution you attend. Papers should be submitted via E-mail attachment, (from an email address we can use to correspond with you) in Word document or PDF format, to rundergrad.philo.journal@gmail.com. The authors of papers accepted for publication will be notified in December. 

British Journal of Undergraduate Philosophy

The British Journal of Undergraduate Philosophy publishes papers delivered at BUPS conferences, papers submitted directly for publication, and interviews by prominent philosophers and academics. The journal is published online and can be access at BJUP Online.

To submit a paper please see the Call for Papers, where you can also find submission and style guidelines. Most papers or book reviews they publish are 2,000–2,500 words in length, but they will consider submissions of any length. 

The Dialectic

The University of New Hampshire’s undergraduate philosophy journal, traditionally accepts papers in April to be published after review in May. Their website has not been updated recently, so submissions, inquires and any thoughts or comments on the current issue’s essays should be sent to unh.dialectic@gmail.com.

Dialectic: Journal of The University of York Philosophy Society

This journal publishes annual calls for paper based on specific themes. The Theme for the Spring 2014 issue of Dialectic is ‘Being and Reality’.  Papers will be accepted that explore treatments of any aspect of this theme.  Articles by both undergraduates and postgraduates are welcomed.

Submissions must be pitched for an undergraduate audience. Knowledge of the topic and philosophical terminology should never be assumed and should always be clearly explained. Though discussions of technical issues in these areas isn’t discouraged, they will be penalised if they don’t meet this criterion. Submissions should be no more than 2,500 words, fully referenced in the Harvard Style and should be submitted to dialecticsubmissions@gmail.com by 23:59, 20th March 2014.  Please add your name, University and year of study to the bottom of your essay.

Dialogue: Journal of Phi Sigma Tau 

This is the official journal of the International National Honor Society of Philosophy. Dialogue accepts articles by undergraduate or graduate students of philosophy, but not from those with terminal degrees (a terminal M.A. or a doctorate). Topics may be in any area of contemporary interest in philosophy or its history. Membership in Phi Sigma Tau is not a condition for publication. Authors are encouraged to use gender-inclusive language. For matters of style, please consult The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition.

The Dualist Undergraduate Journal

The Dualist accepts papers on all topics of philosophical interest. Essays written for classes, honors theses, and independent work are welcome, however, they should contain original work – not responses to prompts or analysis that does not establish a new position. Multiple submissions are allowed. You may submit to multiple journals, however, you may accept publication at only one journal. 

Essays should be between 10 and 30 pages in length, and must be submitted by an annual deadline (this year it is March 1, 2014). See their submission page for formatting and deadline details.

Ephemeris: The Journal of Philosophy

Ephemeris originates from Union College’s Philosophy Club – a forum for social and intellectual interaction among philosophers at Union. Contributions are solicited in all areas of the philosophical discipline, political theory, metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, religion, feminist philosophy, philosophy of race, eastern philosophy, philosophy of mind and so on.

Contributions should take the form of an essay, article, or short note, preferably no more than 5,000 words. This year’s deadline is February 10, 2014.

Episteme: Student Philosophy

Episteme is a student-run journal that aims to recognize and encourage excellence in undergraduate philosophy by providing examples of some of the best work currently being done in undergraduate philosophy programs. Episteme is published under the auspices of Denison University’s Department of Philosophy.

Papers should be between 2,000 and 5,000 words and should combine research and original insight. Rolling submissions are accepted, with a roughly 6 month turn around time. The deadline for the May publication is in early November, for instance.

The Gadfly: Columbia University’s Undergraduate Philosophy Magazine

Submissions should be non-fiction essays that are philosophically oriented, but not so jargon-heavy that they are only accessible to philosophy majors. In other words, submissions should not read like a philosophy class assignment or a professional journal article. Topic-wise, they are open to – and indeed strive for – a wide range of subjects explored from diverse points of view.

Submission drafts are usually about 3 to 5 double-spaced pages, and need not be finalized; however, the less formulated your essay, the earlier you should submit it. Pitches are also welcome, in case you have an article idea you’d like to discuss with us. To sample past issues, check out our archive of electronic editions. And please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions or comments.

The Gadfly is looking for submissions for our Spring 2014 edition. All undergraduates, regardless of major or school affiliation, are encouraged to submit. The due date for submissions is March 23, 2014. Please email submissions to: gadflymagazine@gmail.com

GNOSIS

GNOSIS is a philosophy journal published by graduate students at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec. While most articles they publish are written by graduate students, they also publish exception undergraduate papers. Papers in any area of philosophical interest are welcome, though we encourage in particular papers addressing topics in continental philosophy. Authors can submit papers directly online after registering. Authors need to provide a short abstract (between 150-400 words) along with their submitted paper (no set limit, but submissions under 7000 words are preferable). They also accept book reviews (2000 word maximum) for books published within the last year. Detailed instructions and guidelines for the authors are available here. Submissions must be blinded for peer-review.

hemlock

The undergraduate philosophy journal of The University of British Columbia, hemlock publishes papers between 10 and 15 pages in length on a wide range of topics. The deadline for the 2013/2014 edition is November 3rd, 2013.

Interlocutor: Sewanee Undergraduate Philosophical Review

The Interlocutor seeks to publish high quality undergraduate essays that defend a specific substantive thesis on the correctness or incorrectness of some significant philosophical view and that show all of the virtues of a successful dialogue: close reading of texts along with clarification of key claims under inspection, entertainment of possible criticisms, and with development of responses to criticisms. They do not publish essays that simply offer a reading of a philosophical text or a summary of schools of thought. 

If you have questions about the appropriateness of your essay for this journal, they encourage you to write us (interloc@sewanee.edu) with a description of your essay.

Essays should not exceed 25 pages, and must be submitted in electronic form by e-mail tointerloc@sewanee.edu with the heading: “Interlocutor Submissions”. Word processing format requirement: Microsoft Word and PDF format. They begin accepting submissions in Fall semester, but will not review the essays until second semester.  No submissions will be accepted after March 15.

The Marist Undergraduate Philosophy Journal

The Marist Undergraduate Philosophy Journal is currently accepting submissions for its second volume on all topics in philosophy. Submissions should not exceed 6,000 words and should be prepared for blind review. In addition to the paper, all submissions should include a separate document with with the author’s name, the title of the submission, an abstract, institutional affiliation, and email. Citations should made be according to the 16th Edition of the Chicago Manual of Style. Submissions should be sent as a MS Word or PDF document to maristjournal@gmail.com. If you have any questions please contact the editor, Solomon Sloat, at solomon.sloat1@marist.edu, or Dr. James G. Snyder at james.snyder@marist.edu. 

Meteorite

The student journal of philosophy from The University of Michigan, Meteorite accepts original undergraduate work from any content area or style of philosophy, but their reviewers and editors are mainly situated within the analytic tradition. This includes (but is not limited to): normative theory, metaethics, epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, social and political philosophy, phenomenology, existentialism, and ancient philosophy. 

Submissions may not exceed 30 pages, and are due in late February. See their website for current calls for papers and submission guidelines.

Paideia

Paideia is an online international journal of philosophy for undergraduate and master’s students. Its aim is to promote philosophical debate between different universities. The journal allows a confrontation with publications through a rigorous discussion. 

Papers can focus on both the historical and theoretical philosophy, from an analytical or continental point of view. The journal will be published twice a year. Deadline for submissions: March 15, 2014. Their next issue is going to be about every aspect of Kantian philosophy. More info on the call for papers section.

The Penn Bioethics Journal

The Penn Bioethics Journal was established in Spring, 2004 with the first issue published April 1, 2005 as part of the National Undergraduate Bioethics Conference hosted by Penn. The editorial board has included undergraduates from all four schools at the University of Pennsylvania with faculty advisors Jonathan D. Moreno, Ph.D. and Connie Ulrich, Ph.D., R.N.

The editors select a theme for each bi-annual issue of the journal. The theme of the journal is not decided until after all the articles are submitted and normally features an Editorial or Paper. Submissions are not required to correspond to the selected theme. Additionally, many issues of the journal feature one or more interviews with prominent professionals in fields related to the issue theme. 

Submissions up to 3300 words are accepted on a rolling basis, with the next edition being published in the Fall of 2014. The deadline for consideration in that issue is March 14, 2014.

Penn Philosophical Perspective

An undergraduate and graduate student journal from the Penn Department of Philosophy, Penn Philosophical Perspectives publishes on a quarterly basis and awards a cash prize to the author of the best paper.

Princeton Journal of Bioethics

An undergraduate publication written and edited by undergraduate students from universities across the country. Working with our Technical Review board comprised of leaders in the fields of education, medicine, science, and ethics, the Journal strives to provide a broad view of current issues in bioethics including genetic engineering, reproductive rights, stem cell research, and euthanasia.

The primary goal of the journal is to represent the work of undergraduate students in the field of Bioethics. Please submit papers to pjb@princeton.edu.

Prometheus

The undergraduate philosophy journal of Johns Hopkins University, Prometheus publishes essays on various philosophic topics as well as interviews with notable philosophers and reviews on recent philosophic articles, books, and essays.  They accept submissions every February and print the journal in the summer. Papers for the academic journal should be 10-30 pages in length.

Prometheus also publishes a bi-weekly online journal from submissions by undergraduate students from Johns Hopkins University.  The online philosophy journal allows students to submit less formal essays with less guideline restrictions.  This allows students more freedom in their writing and encourages active minds to continue writing and publishing their thoughts and views on various philosophic topics. Papers submitted for the online journal do not have length restrictions.

Stance: An International Undergraduate Philosophy Journal

Stance is published annually in April. The deadline for submission is in mid-December. All papers are carefully considered by multiple blind reviewers. Notification of initial decision is early February. Inquiries should be directed toballstatestance@gmail.com or David W. Concepción, Ph.D., Managing Editor at dwconcepcion@bsu.edu.

The Yale Philosophy Review

The Yale Philosophy Review is an annual journal that showcases the best and most original of philosophic thought by undergraduate students, worldwide. The goal of the Review is to promote philosophic discourse of the highest standard, and to bring together a community of young philosophers in both the United States and abroad. Each issue contains a selection of essays on a broad range of philosophic topics, as well as book reviews and interviews of philosophic content.

Papers can be any length. While they do not take previously published papers, they do accept simultaneous submissions, with the expectation that we will be informed immediately if the paper is being published elsewhere. Please send your submission as a Microsoft Word attachment (.doc) to yalephilosophy@gmail.com  Please include the word “submission” and the year in the subject line of your e-mail.

Religious Studies Journals

Canons: The Undergraduate Journal of Religious Studies

Published by McGill University, Canons: The Undergraduate Journal of Religious Studies seeks to feature the most compelling, innovative, and diverse undergraduate student research papers from the Faculty of Religious Studies. If interested in submitting a paper or getting involved as an editor or layout assistant, please e-mail Canons.

Epoché: UCLA Undergraduate Journal for the Study of Religion 

Epoché seeks to publish high quality undergraduate work on the full range of religious phenomena, encompassing all religious traditions, time periods, and geographic regions. Moreover, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the Study of Religion major at UCLA, the journal will bring together diverse methodological and theoretical approaches from across the University’s different fields. 

The journal is published by the UCLA Center for the Study of Religion, which awards a $500 monetary prize for the highest quality paper in each publication. Published papers are formatted for digital download on the Center’s website (www.religion.ucla.edu), and made available free of charge to both the UCLA community and the wider public. Epoché currently seeks essays, research papers, and book reviews written by undergraduates that address the topic “religion” broadly defined from an academic perspective. Submissions deemed by the editors to be nonacademic in nature will be declined. There is no limit on length for submissions. No faculty nomination is necessary.

Fiat Lux: Yale’s Undergraduate Journal of Religious Life and Theology

Fiat Lux accepts article submissions from professors, students, and alumni of any university. We publish writing related to religious life and theology in many forms, including philosophical, political, and sociological studies, exegetical works, notes and book reviews, literary compositions, personal reflections, and interviews both on religion at Yale and religion in general. To submit your work, click here.

Fiat Lux expects to be an intellectual journal full of philosophical, political, and sociological studies, exegetical works, notes and book reviews, literary compositions, personal reflections, and interviews on religion in general and religion at Yale in particular. The magazine, towards the goal of a reasoned exchange of ideas, will publish more intellectual works of philosophy and theology, but its pages will have much content accessible to a more popular readership. This division between academic and popular works, although not hard and fast, informs the word count Fiat Lux expects of submissions. There is no maximum length for submissions, but we are more likely to print articles of philosophy, history, sociology, etc., of 2000-5000 words and exegetical works, notes, book reviews, literary compositions, and personal reflections of 300-1500 words. We especially encourage the submission of 2000-5000 word excerpts from academic talks or larger written arguments. 

Intermountain West Journal of Religious Studies

The Intermountain West Journal of Religious Studies is a student initiative at Utah State University. The journal has been established to promote the academic study of religion among students through the publication of graduate and undergraduate research. Intermountain West Journal of Religious Studies accepts manuscript submissions year round. All manuscripts should be submitted as an attachment to: imwjournal@aggiemail.usu.edu. Standard deadlines for inclusion in the journal are June 1 for the winter issue and January 1 for the summer issue.

Journal of Theta Alpha Kappa

Theta Alpha Kappa publishes a refereed, scholarly journal titled the Journal of Theta Alpha Kappa, with two issues appearing each year.  This journal exists primarily to honor and disseminate student academic work in religious studies or theology, as exemplified by the Albert Clark Awards for both undergraduate and graduate papers. The journal editor receives submissions for possible publication on an on-going basis — whether or not in competition for the Clark Awards, and whether or not from current students. 

While submissions for possible publication are preferred from TAK members or students and faculty of institutions with chapters, other types of submissions may be entertained. Subscriptions to this journal are a benefit to “active” (dues-paying) members, and to special life-time members who have served on the national Board of Directors. 

Sanctum: The Journal of Religion & Spirituality at Columbia University

Sanctum is Columbia University’s journal of religion.  They aim to provide an avenue for free, open, and enlightening discussion and expression of religion and spirituality, personal belief and practice, and historical and contemporary issues relating to faith matters.  They have published print and electronic editions of our semesterly publication in every semester to date, since Fall 2009.  

Please contact them if you would like to learn more about our publication, and especially if you would like to get involved: columbia.sanctum@gmail.com.

Advice for Grad Students Regarding Journal Submissions

While the Department of Philosophy and Religion does not itself have graduate degree programs, faculty offer classes cross-listed with several interdisciplinary graduate programs on campus, including the MA in Liberal Studies program, and the PhD in Childhood Studies program. Grad students in interdisciplinary fields many find it useful and productive to submit their work to journals in philosophy or religion, but should consult a wide range of journal opportunities outside these fields as well. Below are resources pitched to grad students in our fields, which might also be useful for a wider audience.

Philosophy Publishing Advice

While the advice concerning the job market will likely not apply to grad students outside philosophy, this resource provides links to useful advice on how to submit papers to journals, how to choose those journals, and how to avoid publication rejections. The site also includes links to lists of journals to help you focus your search for a god fit, though most are geared toward philosophy journals.

Advice for Grad Students Publishing (PDF)

Written by Thom Brooks (2003), this guide provides useful insight into the specific considerations for book reviews, articles, and conference submissions in discipline generic terms.

Student Fellowship and Summer Institute Opportunities 

The Penn State University Rock Ethics Institute Philosophy in an Inclusive Key Summer Institute

This seven-day institute is designed to encourage undergraduate students from under-represented groups, such as African Americans, Chicano/as and Latino/as, Native Americans, Asian Americans, LGBT persons, economically disadvantaged communities, and people with disabilities, to consider future study in the field of philosophy. PIKSI will emphasize the on-going project of greater inclusiveness that is transforming the discipline, inviting students to be participants in the conversation.

PIKSI will be permanently housed at the Rock Ethics Institute on the campus of the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania. The director and the theme will change on a regular basis.

The 2014 Theme is “Philosophy: Experience, Reflection, Transformation.” Description: Philosophy arises out of both everyday and extraordinary human experience, out of the problems, passions, anxieties, surprises, awe, and aspirations of real life. Philosophy is both an evolving and transformative practice and a history of deliberation and reflection. This year’s course will focus on philosophy’s history as well as contemporary texts in feminist theory, critical race theory, disability theory, queer theory, and other nontraditional work. Students will investigate how lived experience has shaped philosophical reflection throughout its history and how reflection transforms both those of us who engage in it and the world around us. Through readings, writing assignments, visiting lecturers, and professional development mentoring, students will learn that their own perspectives and experiences can contribute to the ongoing development of philosophy.

Transportation to and from the institute, room and board, and a small stipend will be provided for participants. All application materials must be received by e-mail to piksi@la.psu.edu by March 7, 2014.

Rutgers University Summer Institute

Rutgers University will sponsor the 2014 SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR DIVERSITY IN PHILOSOPHY. This seven day program (7/13-20, 2014) is designed to introduce undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds to the various areas of specialization within the discipline of philosophy, give students a better idea of what graduate studies in philosophy is about, and explore various views about what it means to be a professional philosopher. Up to fifteen students will be given the opportunity to interact in formal and informal settings with a group of talented graduate students and distinguished faculty members from a number of universities.

Eligible students must demonstrate how their experiences and background foster greater diversity in the discipline of philosophy and be full-time students in a col-lege or university in the United States (preference will be given to sophomores and juniors, though others are eligible.) Interested students must be in good academic standing and be interested in philosophy as a career. The Institute will provide travel, room and board, and a $250 stipend. This year’s program will be held at the Continuing Studies & Conference Center in New Brunswick, NJ.

Applications must be completed and submitted to the 2014 Summer Institute for Diversity in Philosophy and postmarked no later than May 7, 2014. Your department is receiving more detailed information about the Institute.

UCSD Summer Program for Women in Philosophy

The Philosophy Department at the University of California, San Diego is pleased to announce a call for applications for the 2014 Summer Program for Women in Philosophy, which will be held at UCSD from July 28 to August 8, 2014. The two-week program will feature two intensive courses and a variety of workshops, all geared towards providing an engaging philosophical learning experience and preparation for applying to graduate school in philosophy. Participants will be provided with housing and meals, will have transportation costs covered, will have all course and workshop materials provided, and will receive a $600 stipend.