MSAW FAQ
Eligibility
If I am not currently enrolled in a PhD program, am I eligible to apply?
No. MSAW participation is restricted to advanced PhD students in the humanities and social sciences who:
a) have completed all coursework and fieldwork and
b) are in the process of writing and submitting their dissertations at the time of the workshop.
Students in terminal master’s programs are not eligible to apply, nor are recent PhD graduates. Applicants located in South and Southeast Asia are strongly encouraged to apply.
I attended a previous MSAW. Can I apply to attend again?
No, previous participants are not eligible to participate again.
Application
Should I include a bibliography with my writing sample?
No. While you may include in-text citations, do NOT include any extended footnotes, bibliography, or reference list.
Can the content of my writing sample overlap with the content of the paper I plan to submit to the workshop?
No. The writing sample is intended to demonstrate the quality of your previous academic work and should be thematically and intellectually distinct from the content of your proposed workshop paper abstract. There should be no overlap in content between the writing sample and the paper which selected applicants eventually submit to the workshop. Any overlap between submitted writing samples and workshop papers will lead to disqualification from participation in the workshop.
Does the workshop accept papers written by multiple authors?
No, only those proposing to submit single-author papers will be considered.
Can I submit a paper recently submitted to a journal?
We recommend against proposing to submit a paper that has already been submitted to a journal because the intention of the workshop is for participants to gain feedback on writing that is in a more generative stage and will benefit substantially from engagement with others.
Workshop Participation
How is the MSAW structured?
Selected applicants will submit their full papers for pre-circulation among the participants and discussants in advance of the Workshop. All participants are required to read the papers before coming to the Workshop. During the Workshop, each participant is allotted a few minutes to introduce the main ideas of their paper before the floor is opened for other participants and discussants to ask questions and comment on the paper.
How long do workshop papers submitted by selected participants tend to be?
Papers eventually submitted by selected applicants tend to be 20-25 pages in total.
What costs are covered for workshop participants?
Round-trip air travel from the international airport closest to the participant’s home city to the site of the workshop will be covered for all participants based in the region. Participants from outside the region may be asked to secure additional funds to support their air travel. Hotel accommodations and meals will be covered for the duration of the workshop.
Can participants bring spouses, children, or other dependents?
Bringing spouses or other dependents is discouraged. The MSAW is an intensive engagement and participants are required to attend all scheduled events. Participants will be housed in shared accommodations, and costs relating to travel, meals, or accommodations for spouses and other dependents will not be covered.