The Graduate School of Arts and Science will host the final round of the “Threesis Academic Challenge” on Saturday, April 13, 4 p.m. at NYU’s Kimmel Center for University Life, Eisner and Lubin Auditorium

American Idol Meets Academia—GSAS to Host Three-Minute Thesis Competition, April 13
NYU’s Graduate School of Arts and Science will host the final round of the “Threesis Academic Challenge” on Saturday, April 13, 4 p.m. at NYU’s Kimmel Center for University Life, Eisner and Lubin Auditorium. This academic competition combines “American Idol” performance acumen with scholarly insights in a two-round tournament in which one of the winners is selected by the audience. Last year’s winning presentations included “Joyce & Dante: The Politics of Filiation” by Christopher Cappelluti and “Is Superman Circumcised? The Hero in Jewish Literature from the Bible to Comic Books” by Roy Schwartz, above, both of the John W. Draper Interdisciplinary Master's Program in Humanities and Social Thought. ©NYU Photo Bureau: Asselin

New York University’s Graduate School of Arts and Science will host the final round of the “Threesis Academic Challenge” on Saturday, April 13, 4 p.m. at NYU’s Kimmel Center for University Life, Eisner and Lubin Auditorium, 4th Fl. (60 Washington Square South at LaGuardia Place). Subways: 1 (Christopher Street); A, C, D, E, F, M (West 4th Street); N, R (8th Street); 6 (Astor Place).

This academic competition combines “American Idol” performance acumen with scholarly insights in a two-round tournament in which one of the winners is selected by the audience. In it, master’s students in NYU’s Graduate School of Arts and Science present their thesis or final project to a panel of judges in layperson’s language in three minutes or less—and using only a single slide. Last year’s winning presentations included "Joyce & Dante: The Dual Ulysses Tradition" and “Is Superman Circumcised? The Hero in Jewish Literature from the Bible to Comic Books.”

Competitors are judged on the following: how well they grasp the subject of their research, their ability to discuss the topic with non-experts, and presentation skills. Students compete for prizes totaling $2,500: the first-place ($1,000) and second-place ($750) winners are selected by GSAS deans and one presenter ($750) is chosen by the audience. Throughout the competition, students learn to organize ideas and persuasively speak about them in a frenzied yet academic atmosphere. Highlights from last year’s competition may be viewed here.

The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP or for more information, call 212.998.3710, email gsas.threesis@nyu.edu, or by clicking here.

Reporters wishing to attend the event must RSVP to James Devitt, NYU’s Office of Public Affairs, at 212.998.6808 or james.devitt@nyu.edu.

Press Contact

James Devitt
James Devitt
(212) 998-6808