I can not write this essay

[littlelara]

It's my own fault. I have an essay to write and have put it off for as long as is humanly possible.
Now it's due midnight tomorrow and I just can't do it. I can't get my head around the sociological theories, I can't apply them to a current media topic... I just can't.
I'm used to pulling these things out of my tail at the last minute, but this is just ridiculous.
Friggin' Sociology

[diva det]

ok give us the essay question and maybe some of us on here can give you a hand- help you write some points/arguments etc
we are a pretty cluey bunch on here lol

[Catastrophic]

hugs hun xoxo

You CAN do this!!!

[hannanat]

I agree.Throw the essay question in and we'll have a brainstorm. Once the ideas start flowing, it'll be a lot easier.

If it makes you feel any better, I had an essay due on Tuesday and didn't hand it in until Friday. I had a medical certificate, but only for Tues, Wed and Thurs. I had a couple of weeks to do it before it was due.

[littlelara]

here goes;
"Choose a specific social issue (I've chosen same sex marriage). Research coverage of the issue in the media and locate current media excerpts reporting on this issue (can do)
Write a case study on your chosen issue comparing and contrasting two of the following perspectives: feminism, gay, lesbian or queer theory and postmodern theory.
Your case study should include: identification and overview of the social issue, an analysis of the issue in light of two sociological perspectives, a discussion of the different ways the issue is represiented in the media from the point of view of the perspectives chosen (wha...?) and references to relevant literature linking your ideas to theory discussed in the module."

All contributions gratefully received, but if you've only got hugs I'll take those too

[LimeSlice]

"Choose a specific social issue (I've chosen same sex marriage). Research coverage of the issue in the media and locate current media excerpts reporting on this issue (can do)
Write a case study on your chosen issue comparing and contrasting two of the following perspectives: feminism, gay, lesbian or queer theory and postmodern theory.
Your case study should include: identification and overview of the social issue, an analysis of the issue in light of two sociological perspectives, a discussion of the different ways the issue is represiented in the media from the point of view of the perspectives chosen (wha...?) They want you to use each one of the perspectives above - feminism, gay, lesbian or queer theory and postmodern theory - as the approach for the discussion. So you need to choose the perspectives you will use. You must use postmodern and one other perspective from which to write.and references to relevant literature linking your ideas to theory discussed in the module."

All contributions gratefully received, but if you've only got hugs I'll take those too

I am a last minute-er too, so I will give you the things that help me!
List - go through one at a time and tick each thing off, helps with your plan and fluency too.
So firstly pick your subject - done; then your perspectives - postmodern and ....?; assemble your media references and plan your case study by going through each of the aspects they have asked you to cover:
Issue overview (200 words)
Issue Analysis from both perspectives (800 words)
Discussion of media representation from both perspectives (800 words)
Conclusions (150 words)

What is your word count?

ETA - just saw your post.

[hannanat]

a discussion of the different ways the issue is represiented in the media from the point of view of the perspectives chosen (wha...?)

That just means how do feminist/queer/postmodern (whichever you choose) write about gay marriage and how do they feel about how the mainstream or other media outlets portray gay marriage.


I would go with queer/lesbian and feminist theorists. Most lesbian theorists will incorporate some aspects of feminist theory, at the very least so it's less reading at short notice if you're not familiar with your stuff.

The first step would be to find literature from prominent feminist/queer theorists about how the mainstream media portrays same sex marriage. Do you have access to your university library? I probably have some relevant articles here in my computer, if you like. Just PM me.

Obviously, the majority of queer media is going to be sympathetic to the gay marriage issue. Feminist media and theory is usually very left leaning too, so I think you'd be hard put to find many feminist theorists writing against gay marriage.

I can link you to queer media outlets and feminist media outlets, if you like. Google The Scavenger online magazine, for one (it's both).

[krysalyss]

With any writing the key is just to start. Start writing anything about the topic that you know and don't edit it. Just keep writing. Starting is really the hardest part, but once you start the format will start to come together and you will find the holes in your knowledge and be able to patch them up. Good luck!

[Sopdet]

I have a counselling assignment due tomorrow night (1,500 words - not started), so far I've changed the sheets, done 2 loads of washing, have the ironing board set up, have my shopping list written, cleaned the kitchen, about to make lunch, been online on and off for the last few hours (ignoring the uni website), organised a coffee catch up tomorrow afternoon.

I'm procrastinating too so I feel your pain.

[peanutter]

what's it about?

what's the question?

[peanutter]

word limit?

[littlelara]

2000 words. I could just make stuff up...?

[peanutter]

First, pick which two social perspectives you’re going to select. I personally think that feminism and postmodernism would be a really interesting juxtaposition, but obviously, pick whichever two you can write the most confidently about – and whichever two you have some articles leaning in that direction! So I’d see what material you’ve got, what can you write strongly about, and go from there.

1. Introduction: I tend to do this last, because the introduction should say what you’re going to tell them ... and sometimes you don’t know what that will be, until you’ve written it!

2. Roadmap: what is the issue, why is it important, why is it a hot topic at the moment.

3. Analysis 1: you’ll need three points (or two, if it’s a short word limit).

a. Example one of how the issue is represented, which highlights point one. Eg: if you’re looking at postmodernism, you could discuss briefly the issue of objective truth, in a gay -v- straight or male -v- female question... what is sexuality/gender etc ... subjective -v- objective, etc ... maybe pop in a Heidegger reference?

b. Example two, highlighting point two. Eg: the issue of absolute truth, categories, etc ... maybe look at Foucault, and suggest what he might say about it?

4. Analysis 2: repeat, with the other sociological perspective – and obviously, if it could mirror the first one a little, all the better, because it will make it easier for you to draw a conclusion

5. Conclusion: what overall view does Analysis 1 and Analysis 2 suggest that those two social theories have to say about same sex marriage?

6. Add something: if you can add in one or two sentences an original idea which furthers the debate, then do

7. Go back to the introduction, and tell the reader what you’re going to tell them ...

Done!

[peanutter]

Don't discount starting with Google and Wikipedia.

Obviously, you're not going to get all the answers there! But you can often find some good overview material, and 30-40 minutes of reading will give you a bit of a roadmap to start ... and give you an idea of what authors and theorists to look for.

Also, are there slides from classes, or printed materials you've been given? Or is there a bulletin board on the uni website where other people have been talking about the different topics?

Give yourself an hour to scan through those, before deciding what key resources you'll be relying on.

You can do this.

[LionsandBears]

I've forgotten most of my sociology and never understood Foucoult anyway. But someone mentioned a bunch of theorists were anti-marriage. From memory, didnt the early feminists see marriage as a patriarchal construct designed to oppress women? In which case, how do they then view same sex marriage? Is it gay/lesbians fitting into a hetero superior construct in which case shouldnt they avoid it? Or is it that marruage allows them to access a bunch of legal stuff like superannuation, estate planning etc, which is more pragmatic and possibly Marxist? What do the theorists say about marriage as an expression of love?

There's a big difference even in feminist thought. Identify the bits you want to write about, then find the theorists who say something for and against.

[krysalyss]

I agree with the comment about using google. I am doing a PhD and I still use google and wikipedia all the time, especially if there is a definition I just can't understand or keep in my head, or jargon which people love to throw about.

[littlelara]

Well, it's gone now, and quite possibly the worst essay I've ever written. But if I pass I'll be a happy girl and my mark for my last essay should even things out
Can I just say what an amazing bunch of women you are? I'm so in awe of all of you, truly I am. I felt so supported, and I really needed it.
Next stop conflict management. I wonder what that will be like?

And Sopdet, you cracked me up. Never have I wanted to wash my floors and spring clean my wardrobe more than over these last few days (in fact, I don't know that I ever have at all) and I've been eating like a pregnant person, too - olives, glace cherries, vegemite saladas... anything I could get my hands on.

Feeb and Sop, how did you guys go?

[lilima]

I am reading foucult at the moment. I am writing an assignment on acquired brain injury and need to link it to Foucult. Any suggestions to which one of his books I should be lookin in?