Paper Assignment One: The Literature Review
A proper literature review should look and read like a well-crafted paper. While you have not done the empirical research for your paper nor will you have to defend your developing thesis in the review section, the literature review should be an analysis and critique of previous work as it pertains to your research question with the thesis statement in the back of your mind.
A literature review is not a summary of previous writings. It is a critique and analysis of previous writings. The word ‘analysis’ comes from the ancient Greek analusis- ‘to unloosen’. This definition is appropriate for our assignment. You ought to be taking the relevant arguments of others and breaking them down into their various parts- as if you were untangling a complex of rope. The word ‘critique’ is rooted in the ancient Greek word for judge (kritēs). This, too, is quite appropriate for our assignment. Your job is to investigate the text, character, composition, and origin of previous works. You should be passing judgment on these works in the context of your particular question. A set length for your literature review section cannot be given- you must decide what areas of literature need to be analyzed to situate yourself in the appropriate discussion in the field. Given the fact that you are writing a substantial research paper (15 page +/-); 7 to 10 pages would seem appropriate.
Directions:
1. Follow the ‘Care’ instructions (number 3 of the course policies). 10% of your grade on this assignment is given as an either/or grade depending on whether the paper rules are followed.
2. Include your research question and thesis statement at the top of your literature review (label them in bold at the top of the page- I need to know what I am about to learn!!!). You do not need a title page, you do not need a title. Let me know what question guides your research and what your contentious thesis statement looks like at this stage of the writing process. 10% of your grade on this assignment is given for completing this task.
3. Provide an introductory paragraph(s) that includes an explanation of what area(s) of the literature ought to be reviewed. In this paragraph, explain how you are going to review the literature (theoretically, methodologically, historically, comparatively, etc). 20% of your grade on this assignment is given for a clear, cogent explanation of the area of literature that is necessary to review, the integration of your research question and thesis statement into this discussion, and a clear outline of how you will review the relevant literature.
4. Review the relevant academic literature in an organized, thoughtful manner. Make sure that your paragraphs are analytical and critical in nature. Demonstrate that you recognize the merits of the authors’ works as well as an understanding of potential problems in their analysis. Dissect their research, understand their thesis, explain their relevant findings. This is an important section for your eventual paper. 50% of your grade on this assignment is given for a complete review of the relevant literature. When constructing this section, note the following:
a. You should engage with the relevant literature as it relates to your research question. This means that it is not your evidence that needs to be discussed or explored but the relevant concept(s) that needs to be analyzed and critiqued.
b. The relevant literature should be peer-reviewed. You should be looking at the secondary, peer-reviewed literature on the important conceptual issues developed in your question. A minimum of 10 external sources is required for full credit.
c. Make sure that you do not practice the art of summary- practice the art of integration! Analyze, critique and integrate.
5. Your last paragraph should be directed back to your research question and the subsequent thesis statement. Include a discussion that transitions from the review of relevant literature to the empirical section of your research. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of your particular thesis. 10% of your grade on this assignment is given for a clear transition from previous research to your specific thesis statement.
In the final paper, the actual review of literature will either be a sub-section of your paper or integrated into your own argument. Therefore, make sure that it is developed in a coherent way. Recognize that if you have developed your thesis and have limited the scope of your argument, the works that you analyze in this section of the paper will remain somewhat constant through the life of your paper.