IDEATE: Undergraduate Journal of Sociology

The IDEATE Journal is an open-source journal; created, edited and published by students of the Department of Sociology. The journal is designed to showcase the very best written work produced by students of the Department, featuring pieces which have achieved a mark in excess of 85% for first year students, or 80% for second and first year students.

IDEATE is a trove of knowledge, as well as a useful guide for showcasing skills such as referencing and formatting. The journal features work from diverse disciplines such as sociology, criminology, anthropology, social theory and social psychology. This collection of exceptional essays can be used as a template for first-class essay writing and as an exemplar of the Department of Sociology’s reference and essay formatting style.

So if you are looking for some much needed inspiration to improve your own essay writing, or you simply want to find out about the very latest subjects being tackled by Sociology students today, then you will find something of interest in the IDEATE Journal.

Would you like to see your own work published in the IDEATE Journal? Or perhaps you would like to boost your skills and experience by volunteering as a student editor? Here's how you can get involved:

To submit your work for publication:

If you would like to see your work published, you will need to contact the Sociology Study Support Manager via email: socstudy@essex.ac.uk. Your work must have received a minimum grade of 85% for first year students, and a grade of 80% for second and third year students. Once submitted your work will be considered for publication by the IDEATE team. If successful, a member of the editorial team – typically a third year UG student, PGT or PGR student – will work with you to accurately edit and ensure the piece is written in the Departmental style.

To become a volunteer student editor:

If you are a student with exceptional writing skills and would like to become a volunteer editor, you will need to contact the IDEATE team via email: ideate@essex.ac.uk. We typically recruit our volunteers late in the Autumn term.

The IDEATE Journal gives you the chance to publish and celebrate your work in a visible location for everyone to see. The Journal is additionally promoted via the Department of Sociology Facebook page and Twitter page, and is also distributed throughout the Department via email.

This level of exposure will look great on your CV and will practically demonstrate your exceptional writing and critical thinking skills.

Are you looking to improve your essay writing or wider study skills? The Department of Sociology has a dedicated Study Support Manager, who is here to support you on your academic journey.

You can book a remote Zoom 1:1 session with the Study Support Manager by emailing: socstudy@essex.ac.uk and get personalised help with the following:

• Referencing, citation and avoiding plagiarism
• Essay formatting
• Undertaking literary and data research
• Organising your notes
• Managing reading
• Data analysis, including use of SPSS
• Research and study design
• Exam preparation and avoiding procrastination

You can also contact the Academic Liaison Librarian for Social Sciences by visiting the library website to request help with the following:

• Finding and evaluating information and resources
•  Accessing data
• Effective Searching
• Using reference management software

• We make every effort to ensure your work is reproduced accurately on this webpage, subject to editorial permissions. However, we accept no liability arising from the outside use of information contained on the IDEATE webpages. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
  
• The views expressed in articles published by IDEATE are those of the author/s in question and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial team.
  
• We will make only minimal adjustments to submitted work in line with IDEATE style guide. All editorial amendments will be agreed with you prior to publishing.
  
• You may withdraw your work at any time in the process, either before or after publishing.
  
• All aspects of IDEATE design and content are subject to copyright. If you wish to use any material found on the IDEATE site, please contact us for permission.
  
• The copyright pertaining to the articles themselves and other work published in IDEATE remains with the author/s and is acknowledged as such on individual pieces.