The Undergraduate Thesis Award offered by the Institute on the Formation of Knowledge is an annual competition for the best BA theses which address topics related to social and historical influences shaping the formation of knowledge, and which most effectively cross and bridge disciplinary and divisional boundaries in their research, argument, and conclusions. Submitted theses may address any topic that has implications for the formation of knowledge and interrogates traditional ways of knowing. This competition is open to University of Chicago undergraduates in any division who are graduating at the end of the 2023-24 academic year. Submitted theses will be judged by a panel of Institute faculty. The 1st place winner will receive an award of $1000, 2nd place will receive $500, and 3rd place $250. Runners-up will also be honored. 

Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 1, 5:00 PM CST. 

Apply here

View the 2022-23 winning Theses.

View Previous Winning Theses. 

Questions: ifk-info@uchicago.edu