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!!!

[peanutter]

what's it about?

what's the question?

[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

[peanutter]

word limit?

[littlelara]

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

[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.

[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!

[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.

[littlelara]

Wow. Can I just say up front, thank you so much.
Part of the problem is I just don't get it. The theories go way over my head and I have struggled this whole semester to absorb any of it. Rediculous, I know.
How do I know who is a prominent postmodern, or feminist, or queer theorist?
I do have access to our ebrary, I just don't know what I should be looking for.
I feel so dense, and that's not like me It shouldn't be this hard, ya know? I'm sure I'm missing something

[feeb]

I am sitting here trying to write 3000 words while DH is out with kids on a silly qn where I cant get head around it.

I have about 350 words and keep pressing word count LOL

I feel your pain I need to do this today as have commitments tomorrow and then have next weekend thats it! Cant get much done in evenings as tired!

[hannanat]

Theory is difficult, isn't it? The biggest problem, I think, is that trying to cover broad areas of theory in any depth in one semester is confusing. To understand any theory, you pretty much have to immerse yourself in it.

Is this a first year course? If it is, the relevant theories will be covered in any readings you've been assigned. That'd be the first place to check.

Bell Hooks is a pretty easy-to-read lesbian/feminist theorist who is against marriage in general. She believes it's unhealthy for our society.

I'm going to check for some scholarly articles that might help.

[hannanat]

What's the question, Feeb?

[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.