1. Structure
Every essay needs an introduction and a conclusion. The introduction (which can be anywhere
between a couple of paragraphs and a couple of pages long) should set up your topic for the
reader, indicating why you find it fascinating, what your research question is, and the approach or
method you will be using. Remember that the opening paragraph should aim to capture the
reader’s interest.
The introduction should lay the groundwork for the body of the essay, where you develop your
ideas and argument. Here it’s important to avoid dividing the essay into two halves – that is, theory
/ research. Try to integrate theory, research and analysis, and remember that it’s your own
argument that is important, and that needs illustration and substantiation. Engage critically with
other people’s work, rather than simply re-hashing it.
The conclusion should draw together the threads of your argument and indicate how far you think
you’ve succeeded in answering your research question. The conclusion does not have to be
definitive – it may be that your research has opened up more questions, for instance. But you do
need a strong conclusion, and it’s a good idea to spend some time getting it right.
2. Argument
Your essay should have a clear and convincing argument, which demonstrates that you’ve
investigated a good range of primary and secondary sources and you’re able to organise them
effectively to substantiate your own ideas about your topic. Give some thought to working out what
your primary research question is, how you plan to develop it, what resources and evidence you
will use, and what conclusions you expect to reach. Try to write clearly and accessibly – even if the
source material you use is not clear and accessible! You may need to explain difficult concepts,
and you should always indicate why you are using certain sources, and how they are useful to your
project. A good general rule is – keep things simple!
3. Research
Ideally, your essay should be based on a combination of theory / critical writing, empirical research
and textual analysis. This module emphasises contextual research, that is, looking at stars and
star texts (films, still images, fan magazines, etc.), and their reception, within their social and
historical context. However, such readings can be informed by critical / theoretical writing, as well
as detailed textual analysis, and you are encouraged to consider all these aspects when deciding
on your topic, in the light of the issues and material we have discussed on the module. If you
decide to focus on one of these at the expense of the others, you need to explain why (for
example, you may be using primary empirical evidence because you’ve surveyed the available
materials and been unable to find critical / theoretical writing that suits your purpose; or you may
be focusing on theory because you consider that offers the most effective means of developing
your arguments).
