WRITING FEMINIST, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY STUDIES PAPERS 

Don't take terms for granted. 

Especially in FGSS, it is important to be very clear about what you mean by terms such as "identity," "gender," or "experience."  It is also important to remember that in most cases there is no single, "correct" definition for these terms.  Often the way in which you use these terms is contingent on the argument you're discussing. 

Don't be afraid to use "I" when formulating your thesis.  

A professor wants to know what you think about a particular author's theory.  If you are proposing a particular theoretical approach to a topic, or you are making a distinctive claim about another author's argument which is not explicit in the text, you may draw attention to your point of view by starting the sentence with "I would argue," or something along those lines.  Be careful not to confuse analysis with opinion. 

Choose verbs and nouns very carefully. 

The analysis of power is of central concern within FGSS.  Therefore the writer must be continually aware of the action they are describing in their sentences.  The introductory paragraph must draw the reader in and describe the writer's argument and course of analysis. A FGSS writer should make sure that the verbs in this first paragraph especially are specific and accurate. 

An opinion does not constitute a position. 

Making an argument is particularly important when writing a FGSS paper.  Opinions must be substantiated with material.  While each statement may be a good starting point for a thesis, they need to be backed up.  The writer needs to ask hirself certain questions in order to transform hir opinion into a convincing position: how, why, according to what, because of what, and on what is this opinion founded? 

Don't classify people or ideas loosely. 

Examine your own classification systems.  How do you use categories like MASCULINE/FEMININE, SUBJECTIVE/OBJECTIVE, and NORMAL/ABNORMAL?  How do these categories reflect cultural or political biases?  How do they shape your perceptions?  You will often find that standard categories and methods of classification lose their meaning when placed within the language of gender studies.