LITERATURE REVIEW:

10% Due 2/19

3-4 pages, double spaced

8 Sources is the minimum for this essay. There should be a variety of sources, but the exact types of sources will be determined by your essay topic.

You must cite this paper in proper MLA format. We will go over this format in class.

This will also be turned into turnitin.com.

WHAT IS A LITERATURE REVIEW?
It is a summary and synthesis of the arguments within a particular field. The purpose of this assignment is to inform the reader of what has already been written in a field and to assess that writing. The literature review both describes and evaluates the available research in a given field. You will need to discuss the key literature in the field you are researching.
A key component of this exercise is the critique of the sources you are considering. Be sure to judge the worth of the source. This will be easier once you have read more in the field. You should begin noticing that some of the sources you consider seem more valid than others. You should start to see the better arguments and better evidence rise to the top.

HOW WILL THIS ESSAY BE ORGANIZED?
This essay will have an introduction that contains your research question.
This essay will then be broken into paragraphs based on the themes you find while researching.
One key to doing well on this assignment is to find a focus for your literature review rather than just turning it into a list. If it is a list, it will fail. As you read in your field, begin to make categories, not by type of literature (book, govt. document, magazine) but by the themes that you are reading about.
The conclusion to your literature review SHOULD make a summary of where the research in this field has been so far and MUST make clear where your research and thesis fit into the field as a whole.