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 Because we want to help undergraduates publish their work, we do not publish essays by PhD candidates or research scholars.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 now accepting submissions for our Winter 2021 issue. The submission deadline is January 31, 2021. The focus for this issue is on African American literature, so essays writing in response to the forum prompt will hold priority, but submissions on other concepts of literary criticism will also be considered. You can find the full forum prompt linked in the sidebar.

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.