The Three Generations Prize for Writing in the Sciences, Social Sciences, and the Arts & Humanities

Three Generations Prizes for Writing in the Sciences, for Writing in the Social Sciences, and for Writing in the Arts and Humanities

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About the Prizes

A prize of $300 is offered annually for papers written by Wellesley students in each of these three areas: the sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities. These prizes recognize Wellesley's commitment to promoting fine writing in and across all academic disciplines.

Papers written for any course or independent study are eligible, except for honors theses. Interdisciplinary papers are eligible. Submissions are judged by Wellesley College faculty.

Criteria
  • A complete, compelling, sophisticated argument that is logically developed and well-supported by evidence.
  • Writing that is clear, authoritative, and comprehensible to any intelligent reader.
  • Excellent presentation and integration of source material, data, and other evidence.
Guidelines for Submission
  • The deadline for the 2023-2024 prizes is Wednesday, April 3, 2024.  
  • Submission is by self-nomination, and students should send their entries directly using the Three Generations Prizes for Writing Submission Form.
  • Submissions must contain both a copy of your paper and a brief description of the assignment.  If your paper is interdisciplinary, you may list two prizes, though each paper may only win one prize.
  • Any currently-enrolled Wellesley College student may submit a paper for this prize.
  • Each contestant may submit only one entry.
  • Honors theses may not be submitted; but papers written for independent studies are eligible. Papers written for courses taken at MIT, Brandeis, Olin, or during an official exchange program are also eligible.
  • Papers written during the spring semester of the preceding year, as well as the fall and spring semesters of the current year, are eligible.
  • Prizes awarded to seniors will be listed in the Commencement Program and all other prize recipients will be listed in the Convocation Program.

Winners of the Three Generations Prizes for Writing

 

 

Alyson Brown, '23
Alyson Brown, '23
Writing in the Sciences 2022-2023

Essay

“The Effects of Probiotics on Treating Postpartum Depression: Correlations Between the Gut Microbiome and Maternal Mood,” written for NEUR 300: Capstone Seminar in Neuroscience taught by Sara Wassermann

Judges' Comments

Alyson Brown's “The Effects of Probiotics on Treating Postpartum Depression: Correlations Between the Gut Microbiome and Maternal Mood” does an excellent job of balancing scientific precision with compelling narrative. This grant proposal details a multi-part plan to study the effectiveness of probiotics in addressing postpartum depression. Despite covering a great deal of information in exquisite detail, the author provides regular touchpoints to reconnect with the reader and ensure that they are never left behind.

AN
Anna Nesbitt, '25
Writing in the Social Sciences 2022-2023

Essay

“Identifying and Combatting the Discursive Effects of Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill,” written for POL4 349: Seminar: Sex/Politics taught by Paul Martorelli

Judges' Comments

Anna Nesbitt's paper “Identifying and Combatting the Discursive Effects of Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill” analyzes the logical contradictions contained in the bill, urging the reader to see how, taken in their totality, their implications and consequences reach further than an initial reading might suggest. The author meaningfully draws on the theory of Eve Sedgwick to shed light on this point and, in so doing, provides a great example of how to use theory to illuminate current events. Nesbitt incorporates an impressive range of sources and unfolds a complex argument with grace.

Chloe Frantzis, '23
Chloe Frantzis, '23
Writing in the Arts & Humanities 2022-2023

Essay

“The Blind Critic: Vladimir Nabokov’s Pale Fire and his troubling translation of Aleksandr Pushkin’s Eugene Onegin,” written for RUSS 286: Vladimir Nabokov (in English) taught by Adam Weiner

Judges' Comments

Chloe Frantzis pairs two Nabokov texts, using an astute analysis of each to reveal their respective structures and, more importantly, to illuminate the meaning of the other. Even a reader unfamiliar with the two texts will understand the implications of Chloe's comparative critique, and will appreciate the authority and grace with which she presents it.