Steinbeck Studies

Steinbeck Fellows Program 2004-2005

The Steinbeck Fellows Program of San Jose State University, which was endowed through the generosity of Martha Heasley Cox, Professor Emerita, offers new writers of any age and background the opportunity to pursue a significant project in collaboration with other writers, faculty, and graduate students. The Steinbeck Fellows Program is named in honor of author John Steinbeck and is guided by his lifetime of work in literature, the media, and environmental activism. Fellows may be appointed in many fields, including literary scholarship, fiction, drama, education, science, and the media. The genre of poetry, however, is excluded.

Currently, SJSU offers a one-year fellowship in Steinbeck scholarship and one or more one-year fellowships in creative writing. In awarding fellowships, the selection committee considers the quality of the candidate's proposal and any factors that would lead to expectations of future publication and other achievement. The creative writing fellowship does not require that there be any direct connection between Steinbeck's works and that of the applicant. Applicants who are enrolled in a graduate program of study must furnish evidence that they have completed all coursework, except any course registration associated with a thesis.

The fellowships afford a stipend of $7,500. Housing assistance available.

The Louis Owens Essay Prize

Beginning in the spring of 2004, the Louis Owens Essay Prize will be given annually by the Center for Steinbeck Studies at San Jose State University to the best undergraduate or graduate student essay on the work of John Steinbeck. Essays may focus on particular works or be inspired in some way by Steinbeck's ecological, historical, or political vision.

The winning essay will be awarded a $250 prize and published in Steinbeck Studies.

This essay prize was established in the memory of Louis Owens, scholar, teacher, writer. It honors both his fine work on Steinbeck and his commitment to his students.

Deadline for Submissions: 1 May 2004

Essays will be read by members of the Editorial Board and the winner announced by 1 August 2004.

Essays may be 15-40 pages.

Please submit with cover letter and one letter from advisor/professor.

Please submit in MLA format.