Criterion: A Journal of Literary Criticism seeks original, well-researched, and intellectually rigorous essays written from diverse critical perspectives and about texts from any time period or literary tradition. We prioritize under-graduate submissions, but will consider submissions from those who have recently graduated and students pursuing a master's degree. Because we want to help undergraduates publish their work, we do not publish essays by PhD candidates or research scholars.

Submissions are peer-reviewed by a selection board comprised of students at BYU, and final decisions are made by the journal's lead editors in consultation with a faculty advisor. We have recently published our Winter 2020 issue, which can be viewed here: https://issuu.com/criterionbyu/docs/criterion_w2020_issuu or downloaded below

We are not currently accepting submissions. Submissions for our Winter 2021 issue will open mid-November.

Submissions to both the general section and in response to the forum prompt should be between 3000 and 6000 words (not including the bibliography). All submissions should be double-spaced, written in English, and formatted according to the most recent MLA guidelines. Submissions should be uploaded as MS Word files through our website and online submission system.

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