IUIN-Jean Martin Maxwell Philosophy Prize (Liberal Arts)
Overview:
This prize is awarded to a student enrolled in the American philosophy master’s program for a significant essay which is judged to be superior. This prize honors the memory of Jean Martin Maxwell (1924-2005) who discovered a passion for the study of philosophy when, as an adult returning student, she undertook a master’s degree program in the history and philosophy of education at Northern Illinois University. Her master’s thesis on the Phenomenology of William James confirmed her interests, and she subsequently went on to teach introductory philosophy courses. No student applications accepted. Faculty nominated and selected. Nominated students will receive an email notification requesting additional information to be completed utilizing One.IU scholarship management system.
Eligibility:
Applicants must:
- Be pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy at IU Indianapolis
- Have a GPA greater or equal to 3.3 out of a 4.0 scale
- The department bases its selection on faculty evaluation of a significant essay in American philosophy, superior scholastic achievement, faculty recommendations, and active engagement with the Department of Philosophy.
Awarding:
This scholarship will be awarded and disbursed in the upcoming academic year.
Renewability:
This scholarship is not renewable.
- Award
- $500
- Deadline
- 02/01/2026
- Supplemental Questions
- How are you involved or engaged with the Department of Philosophy beyond your studies?
Submit an essay in philosophy. The essay can explore various topics and theories.
a. The essay will be evaluated on clarity of the exact question being asked (your thesis) and how the provided answer(s) support a clear, logically structured argument so that the reader understands what you will achieve.
b. Essay submissions may be from a current or past assignment as long as it was completed within the 2024-2025 academic year.
c. Papers must be double-spaced AND in final form: clean, typed copy that is free of all comments by previous readers. Preference is given to papers of at least 15 pages in length.
d. Papers must conform to standard citation practices, e.g. Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, The Chicago Manual of Style, or MLA format.
e. Please provide a cover sheet with the title of the paper and your name, address, e-mail, telephone number, and student ID number. Also indicate for which class the paper was originally written (course number, instructor, and semester).