Suggested Essay Structure for Gender, Sexuality, and Representation

Suggested Essay Structure for Gender, Sexuality, and Representation
The following is a guide to essay structure. Variations on the following are permitted, but if in doubt stick to the guide. More information on assignments and writing can be found through the UniSA study support website.
Introduction
• A short and to-the-point introduction to the essay topic and main issues / examples to be addressed.
• State the objective of the essay clearly (e.g. ‘The objective of this essay is to examine the representation of drag in the documentary film Paris is Burning (dir. Jennie Livingston, 1990) using Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity.’).
• Summarise major findings of essay and the territory / scope to be covered
• Best written at the end (once you have completed main body)
Main body of the essay
• The main body of the essay is divided into paragraphs. Depending on the length of your essay there will be several of these.
• Each paragraph will have one main argument or point. The main argument / point is introduced in the ‘topic sentence’ (the first sentence of the paragraph), then developed through discussion and through reference to supporting evidence (evidence could be quotes to articles or discussion and analysis of artefacts). A paragraph will end with a concluding sentence that summarises or draws together the issues.
• Because you are using the theory or historical /cultural context as an interpretive framework it makes sense to outline the theory in an early paragraph so that it forms a framework for discussion of art / artefacts.
• Have the paragraphs arranged in a way that is logical and allows you to develop the argument and move smoothly and clearly from one point to another.
• Remember to ‘sign post’ or ‘flag’ your argument (i.e. after discussing an artwork make sure you point out to the reader how the art relates to the relevant theoretical ideas. Try to weave together your discussion of theory and art).
Conclusion
• A short and to-the-point conclusion should summarise the territory covered by the essay, the main arguments, and what was discovered in the analysis of the examples.
Bibliography
• An accurate list of all sources used in writing the essay (see Chicago or Harvard Style guides).