lit review

LIT REVIEW ESSAY

What is the purpose of the lit review? So that you are aware of how to do extensive research and consider critics’ interpretations of a work we have read in this course. In addition, to sharpen your analysis and synthesis skills as it pertains to literature. A lit review is what it sounds like: a review of the literature on a story and it’s topic of your choice. So, while you will be putting this essay in your own words, it does not require the extensive thought a normal essay would have. In essence, the essay is written for you because it is based solely on what others say; your job is to put it all together and analyze as well as evaluate it yourself.

Your essay will be on any ONE of the short stories we have read. You may find criticisms directly on the story, but you also might find literature on your topic and not the story.

I assume it would be easiest to find sources directly on the African-American literature we have read, since these works are a bit more dated and notorious and a lot has been said directly about these stories. However, students have also been able to write on “Visitors, 1965” and “El Patron” as it pertains to their topic (ex: immigration waves or traditionalism/family-oriented structure).

A literature review compiles and evaluates the research available on a certain topic or issue that you are researching and writing about.  In this course, your topic will pertain to a piece of literature you have read in class. You will use three sources for your literature review.

It may be done in a series of steps:

Define Topic: What short story are you looking to explore? Have that in mind.

Research: Find three relevant sources on the literature databases on SJDC’s website. I recommend “Literature Criticism Online” and JSTOR. See next modules for info on how to get there. Start by searching just for the title and author. Make sure your search terms are in quotes. Ex: “The Lesson” and “Toni Cade Bambara.”

Look around and see what is being written about these stories. Find 3 that are loosely related to one another.  Print them out and read them. Underline important points and passages. Take note of the main points, conclusions, strengths, and weaknesses of the argument.

Analyze and Evaluate: Assess how each source relates to each other. Do they contradict or compliment one another? A mix of both? Critically evaluate research: is it well-written, concise, complete? Is it missing something?

Research Question: Write a specific question that unifies all three sources. This can be in regard to one theme, character, etc.  Make sure your sources are related to one concept, not different ones. Once you have completed the bulk of your research, compile the topic and the research results into one coherent thesis statement.

Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement should contain the overarching focus for your literature review as well as the main supporting points you found in the literature.

Write Literature Review: Use an introduction, three body paragraphs (one for each review), and a conclusion.

Your body paragraphs (3 of them) will each have a structure that will go in this order: summary, analysis, synthesis, evaluation. Each body paragraph will discuss one source using SASE:

Summary: Briefly state the argument and main points of the research. 8-10 sentences.

Analysis: Closely examine the elements or structure of the research and use interpretation.

Synthesis: Critically evaluate and compare or contrast your research to one another.

Evaluation: Assess the research based on your own criteria. State and explain. Support your evaluation with quotes from the article.

The purpose of the lit review essay is to to get you in the habit of finding research for your essay and evaluating that research on your own. So while I do not want you to have an opinion in this essay about the theme or short story itself, I do wish for you to identify reputable sources and uncover strengths and weaknesses in argument. You will use these skills for the lit analysis essay due at the end of the semester. Therefore, your thesis will be about the literature itself.

Your essay must be 4-5 pages (1300-1500 words) in length and must be in MLA Format.

Essays not submitted to turnitin will receive a 0 grade. 
Essays with more than 20% match will be penalized at the discretion of the instructor; essays that are 50% matched or more will be considered deliberate plagiarism and will result in the student receiving an F in the course.  Further disciplinary action may ensue.
Essays in this course are weighted heavily. Since this is an English course, they are also graded on a pass/fail scale (0 points may be given if a student misses too many elements on the rubric to comprise a complete essay).

I want to stress the importance of: 

viewing the rubric each time before you submit your essay; 
understanding and implementing MLA format; 
understanding five paragraph format and the thesis-driven essay; 
understanding and implementing information literacy and; 
understanding the importance of displaying an effective argument. 
RUBRIC

You are expected to have the following for your essays. If you do not, your essay will automatically fail. 

Thesis (a good one)
Sources (3)
Quotes from your 3 sources in all three body paragraphs.
Structure (intro, three body paragraphs, conclusion)
Correct grammar and spelling
You will mainly be graded on analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and your conclusions. 
In addition, MLA and your citation page (with your 3 sources listed in alphabetical order) must be correct, or 20 points will be deducted from your grade.

The next pages will help you with turnitin and research. Read all content carefully.

If you are having trouble with turnitin, database research, or have essay questions, please message me. Also, please feel free to converse with your classmates through the message board and help one another if I am not available.

The lit review essay is an important milestone in this course, worth 20% of your grade. I recommend conducting your research early and working on your essay a little bit every day, going through a 2-3 draft process before submitting your work. This is not an essay to be left for the last minute.

I want to do my essay on the story of Elethia by alice walker https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uwm5457ssrs7zbr/AACXnnFa48oeVa1RkzUSiYoxa?dl=0&preview=Elethia.pdf

 

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