The Constitution Reflection Award

This Award challenges KU students to comment on the enduring importance of the United States Constitution and its presence in our everyday lives. Each year, students will be invited to submit an audio visual reflection in response to a given prompt. Any undergraduate student who has enrolled in a History course during the academic year is invited to apply. The winner will be awarded $500 and their submission will be featured on the Department of History website.

2024-2025 Prompt:

Several concepts, such as “checks and balances,” “freedom of religion,” and “the right to bear arms” are widely touted as fundamental aspects of the United States Constitution. Choosing one such concept, find its source in the Constitution and reflect on the relationship between its historical context and meaning and debates about its interpretation today.

Submissions will be evaluated according to how well they address the given prompt; acknowledge historical context or change over time; demonstrate nuance or complexity of thinking; draw upon the work of other scholars and sources; convey information in a creative or compelling way.

Award amount: $500

Eligibility: Any KU undergraduate student enrolled in a history course during the academic year of the award period.

Submission Requirements:

• 3-4 minute video or audio/video presentation
• MP4, MOV., AVI., WMV
• Information Sheet and Reference List, of a minimum of four sources
   

Helpful Tips:
You're not expected to create a Ken Burns documentary or a segment for the local news. Think of this as a recording of a presentation with images and maybe even some background music! 

Below are some examples of previous winners. We've also provided a number of apps, programs, and editing locations that might be useful in creating your submission. 

Audio/Visual Resources:

Best Editing/Creating Apps:
CapCut, Adobe Premiere Rush, Adobe Express, Canva, Clipchamp, iMovie, and Splice

The Makerspace | Anschutz Library | Room 203A
The KU Libraries Makerspace provides a venue for KU students, faculty and staff to think, tinker, create and collaborate with others. The equipment and tools available provide a hands-on learning experience for users of all skill levels, with beginners and curious minds welcome. Makerspace staff is available to assist with every part of the process. Located on the second floor of Anschutz Library, the Makerspace facilitates 3D printing, podcasting and general creative discovery.

Schedule a consultation, training, or reserve a computer with A/V post-production software by visiting The Makerspace website: https://lib.ku.edu/makerspace

Studio K | Watson Library | 3rd Floor
A quick-record studio, designed so that any user can walk in and start recording a speech, demonstration or presentation within moments of arrival. Using the Kultura Capture software, videos are easy to make and save automatically to your MediaHub cloud service. You can bring a PowerPoint file which can display during the presentation.

Visit the Watson Library website to reserve Studio K: https://lib.ku.edu/studio-k

SOUND+VISION | Lawrence Public Library
Using your Lawrence Public Library (LPL) Card you may check out audio and visual equipment from LPL’s SOUND+VISION Studio collection. LPL has Handy Audio Recorders, Rode Condenser Microphone, and Blue Yeti USB Microphone, and many other devices for checkout.

Browse the full list of offerings here:  https://lplks.org/audio-visual-tools-to-borrow/
Need to register for a Lawrence Public Library Card? See what it takes to get carded by heading here:
https://lplks.org/get-a--library-card/