1. Choose one of the situations/experiences you described in your portfolio, where you either:
· Observe yourself in a particular situation doing or experiencing something you previously did not pay much attention to; or
· Think about particular conversation you had with someone that stuck in your mind; or
· Observe others in an everyday situation in a particular setting (home, work, University, street, shop, pub, etc.).
2. Collect more observational or conversational data over a period of time and record these instances in detail. While preparing for both assessments, make field notes if necessary: as soon as possible describe the event or experience noting exactly your thoughts and feelings, exchanged words or behaviour and describe where the event took place and in which context.
3. Link these situations and experiences to broader sociological themes and issues, and to the relevant literature.
4. You may want to reflect (if appropriate) whether there any specific social-demographic factors that might have an impact on the situation/experience (e.g. gender, age, social class, or status of persons involved).
The suggested structure of the essay:
1. Introduction: an overview of the structure of the essay and its subject matter.
2. Description of the fieldwork: i.e. outline your experiences, observations and/or conversations).
3. Sociological themes and issues that arise from the fieldwork. Where possible, include a reflection on social-demographic factors that impact on the everyday situation or experience.
4. Theoretical framework: Analysis of the relevant sociological literature.
5. Conclusion: main finding and a summary of the essay
6. References
Referencing
· Make sure your coursework is fully referenced using Harvard system;
· All sources have to be fully acknowledged;
· All references used should be listed in the List of References at the end of your coursework