In your own words, describe how a sociologist views the social world as a(n): 1. Functionalist 2. Conflict Theorist 3. Interactionist 4. Postmodernist Finally, include in each section how each way of thinking about the social world views the "glass of water" analogy and why (i.e., the glass is half full, the glass is half empty, and so forth).

A functionalist's view, also known as structural functionalism, of the social world relies on the theory of interconnecting parts for society to operate. Every individual part, such as a school, a police officer, or a businessman, plays an important part of society, connected and dependent on the participation of each entity for society to function. Think of all the different parts of a car that help make it run, such as the radiator, the AC unit, even the windshield wipers. Every part plays an important and connected role for the car to function properly. A functionalist would view the glass of water in separate but distinct terms: the water, the structure/shape of the glass, even the thickness of the glass in terms of a complete, interconnected system of parts.
A conflict theorist views the social world as one that is in perpetual conflict resulting from a lack of resources available to each party. Karl Marx founded this theory, primarily focusing on two competing classes, the wealthy vs. the poor. However, it has also been widely viewed as a theory that sees all groups in a society as competing for material resources (land, money, etc.) and non-material resources (time, power, organizations, etc.). The dominating group then uses their power to exploit others and gain more influence in society, instead of working towards a mutual goal. Think of a competing insurance company determined to benefit a few at the top instead of the majority at the bottom. The glass of water, in this case, would be competing for the same resources, with one group dominating the other in competition for space in the glass.
The interactionist theory, or interactionism, focuses mainly on symbolism between social groups and how social interactions we have experienced lead to specific acts or choices on our part. For example, we attach meanings to our interactions with others and with objects and then use them to make decisions in our lives and our personal relationships. Basically, our actions and reactions are determined by our interpretation of the world around us. The glass of water might be seen as more full or empty as a result of individual interpretation of the symbols behind the glass of water and what it might represent in one’s personal life.
Perhaps the most confusing of the four theories is the postmodernist theory, a theory that focuses on converting from a previous classification of thought (modernism) to a more global society that is shaped and driven by technology and media-driven thought. It’s a theory that challenges the previous idea of modernism (industrialization, etc.) and suggests individual tastes play a bigger factor than previous institutions such as the influence of the church, school, or government. The fullness of the glass would be seen in a very personal way, from the eye of the beholder based on his or her own values and life experiences in a media-driven world. 

A functionalist sociologist looks at the ways in which the different parts of society are interconnected and rely on each other. In their view, one part of society fills a role that helps the operation of the society as a whole. A functionalist sociologist might look at the interrelatedness or interconnectedness of the water to the glass (and to the faucet, etc). In other words, a functionalist would understand that several components go into creating the glass of water.
A conflict theorist examines the tensions and stresses that result from the unequal distribution of resources in society and looks at these tensions as  catalysts for social change. A conflict theorist might look at the full part of the glass as causing tensions for the empty part of the glass.
The interactionist theory looks at the symbolic meanings people attach to everyday interactions between people. In other words, interactions between people are framed by the symbolic meanings we attach to them. A person from this school of thought might look at what the glass of water symbolizes. For example, is it in a fancy Evian bottle? That type of glass of water would symbolize a world of wealth and privilege.
The postmodern theory stresses the declining importance of once-formative institutions such as the state, church, marriage, school, etc. In an increasingly global and media-driven society, each individual is free to choose his, her, or their own lifestyle. A postmodern sociologist might decide that whatever way the person wants to look at the half-full glass is up to that person's own taste and values.