A Guide to Writing a Comprehensive Literature Review for Your English Literature Dissertation

Posted by Alfred on August 22nd, 2023

Introduction

The literature review is a crucial component of any academic dissertation, especially in English literature. It serves as the foundation for your entire research, providing a comprehensive understanding of existing literature, theories, and studies related to your topic. A well-written literature review showcases your expertise in the field, highlights your research objectives, and establishes the significance of your English literature dissertation. This article will guide you through the process of creating a simple yet effective literature review for your English literature dissertation, focusing on the English literature dissertation structure.

Define Your Research Questions

Before delving into the literature review, it is essential to establish clear and concise research questions. These questions will guide your literature search and ensure that the content you include is directly relevant to your study. Aim for a balance between specificity and broadness, enabling you to explore various aspects of your chosen topic while maintaining focus.

Identify Relevant Literature

The next step is to identify relevant literature for your English literature dissertation. Begin with scholarly databases, such as JSTOR, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, using keywords related to your research questions. Academic journals, books, conference papers, and reputable websites can serve as valuable sources of information. To ensure a comprehensive review, include seminal works and recent publications to demonstrate your awareness of the topic’s historical context and current developments.

Evaluate the Quality of Sources

Not all sources are created equal, and evaluating the quality and credibility of the literature you come across is crucial. Focus on peer-reviewed articles and academic books from reputable publishers. Assess the author’s credentials, the journal’s impact factor, and the overall reliability of the source. A robust literature review reflects a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter.

Organize and Synthesize the Literature

When writing your literature review, consider organizing it thematically or chronologically. A thematic approach groups literature according to common themes or concepts, while a chronological organization traces the development of ideas over time. Both methods have their merits, so choose the one that best suits your research objectives.

As you synthesize the literature, critically analyze and compare various viewpoints, identifying gaps, controversies, and areas of consensus in the existing research. Articulate how each piece of literature contributes to your understanding of the topic and how it informs your research questions.

Construct a Logical Structure

The structure of your literature review is essential for its clarity and coherence. Typically, it consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should provide an overview of the research topic, its significance, and the objectives of the literature review. The body paragraphs should contain the synthesized information from the relevant sources grouped according to themes or chronology. Finally, the conclusion should summarize the essential findings and highlight any unresolved issues or gaps your dissertation intends to address.

Properly Cite and Reference

Accurate citations and references are paramount in an English literature dissertation. Please credit the original authors appropriately to avoid accusations of plagiarism, which could be detrimental to your academic career. Follow the citation style specified by your university or department (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.), and ensure that every source you mention in the literature review is correctly cited in the references section.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Writing a Literature Review for Your English Literature Dissertation

Q1: What is the purpose of a literature review in an English literature dissertation? 

A literature review in an English literature dissertation is the foundation of your research by comprehensively understanding existing literature, theories, and studies related to your topic. It showcases your expertise, highlights research objectives, and establishes the significance of your study.

Q2: How do I define research questions for my literature review?

To define research questions, consider the specific aspects of the topic you wish to explore. Aim for a balance between specificity and breadth, guiding your literature search while maintaining focus on your chosen area of inquiry.

Q3: Where can I find relevant literature for my English literature dissertation? 

You can search scholarly databases like JSTOR, ProQuest, and Google Scholar using keywords related to your research questions. Academic journals, books, conference papers, and reputable websites are valuable sources.

Q4: How do I evaluate the quality of sources for my literature review? 

Focus on peer-reviewed articles and academic books from reputable publishers. Assess author credentials, journal impact factors, and source reliability. A well-rounded literature review relies on credible sources.

Q5: What are the best ways to organize and synthesize the literature in my review?

Organize your literature review thematically or chronologically. A thematic approach groups literature by themes, while a chronological approach traces idea development over time. Analyze and compare viewpoints, identifying gaps, controversies, and areas of consensus.

Q6: What is the ideal structure for a literature review in an English literature dissertation?

literature review typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction provides an overview, the body paragraphs synthesize information thematically or chronologically, and the conclusion summarizes findings and highlights unresolved issues.

Q7: How should I cite and reference sources properly in my literature review?

Accurate citations are crucial to avoid plagiarism. Follow the citation style required by your university (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.). Ensure every source mentioned in the literature review is correctly cited in the references section.

Q8: What should be included in the conclusion of a literature review? 

The conclusion should summarize essential findings from the literature review and highlight any gaps or unresolved issues your dissertation intends to address. It's a reflection of the key takeaways from your literature review.

Conclusion

Writing a simple yet comprehensive literature review for your English literature dissertation Writing requires meticulous planning, thorough research, and a well-organized structure. By defining your research questions, identifying relevant literature, evaluating sources, and synthesizing information effectively, you can create a literature review that lays a strong foundation for your research. Remember to cite and reference your sources correctly to uphold academic integrity and demonstrate your expertise in English literature. With these steps in mind, you are well on your way to crafting a literature review that enriches your dissertation and contributes to the body of knowledge in the discipline.