UNIVERSE OF THE ARTS 1

LITERATURE REVIEW 10%

The literature review is a brief but essential part of the research process. It
shows that you are familiar with and understand the work of other researchers
who have addressed the same subject. The review itself is a descriptive essay
summarizing the major findings of other researchers showing us how they arrived
at their conclusions. The focus of the review should be on the results and
findings and not the researcher. The review itself should
begin with a brief introduction identifying the subject and outlining the
organizational synthesis of the review. Be sure not to list the findings in
sequential order: focus on the main themes explored by the researchers, by
comparing and contrasting them.
ESSENTIALS
Do not write in the first person. Write about your topic in your own words, using
the sources that you found to support your research question and thesis
statement. Use at least one quote from each source. Cite your sources whenever
you use them.
The literature review and its bibliography should include a minimum of 5
sources. The sourcesmust be original research and come from scholarly
publications (book, anthology, or article). Special emphasis should be placed on
current literature.
.
EVALUATION
The review will be evaluated on:
The quality of the synthesis of the review (the sources are not listed
individually, but their main themes are compared and contrasted
together)
The quality and variety of the sources as they relate to the research
question
The proper use of the MLA format for quoting and citing
The structure of the review and the quality of your writing

CONTENT OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW (750 words approximately)

1. Introduction (1 or 2 paragraphs):
It is the foundation of your paper: it must be a brief discussion of what is to
follow in the literature review. It should include these items:
Clearly state your research question and tell the reader what main points you
will address below.
Make sure to define any terms that the reader may not understand;

2. The body text (3-6 paragraphs):

The body of your essay is a critical discussion of research that

others have conducted on topics relevant to the research problem you identified
in the introduction. Describe the theories from these studies as they relate to
your topic. Focus on the different themes or patterns present across the studies.
Compare and contrast the material found in your 5 primary sources.
Here are some questions that might help you:
What aspects of the problem did they study (what was their research
question?
How did they study the problem (what texts/artifacts/studies did they
look at, what point of view did they use?
What are their findings?
Do researchers in the field agree on any perspectives, theories, or
concepts related to this problem?
Do you see any weaknesses or limitations in the existing theories,
concepts, methods, data, and interpretations, and how do you think
these can be addressed?

3. Conclusion (1 paragraph):

Restate the highlights of how others have developed and approached this
problem, emphasizing the issues that relate to your research question;
Link this brief summary to a restatement of your research question.
4. Bibliography (separate page at the end of the literature review):
Make sure you include a reference page of all your sources in the proper MLA
format.