Jacqueline and Morris Wachs French & Italian Writing Competition

Essay competition

Students are invited to submit a critical essay (topic open) of approximately 5 pages. The essay should be written specifically for the competition but may be a revised paper from a class taken at Vanderbilt. All entries will be judged on originality, rigor of argument, grammar, as well as idiomatic expression.

Creative writing competition

Students are invited to submit a creative text (a short story or a poem for example) of no more than 5 pages. This creative work should be written specifically for the competition but may be a revised paper from a class taken at Vanderbilt. All entries will be judged on originality, grammar, as well as word/expression choice.

To see a list of this year’s winners click here!

Jacqueline and Morris Wachs both taught for many years in the Department of French & Italian and were well known for their interest in developing students’ writing abilities. In their memory, we sponsor the essay and creative writing competitions each year.