Overview

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This course guides you through the entire process of preparing a literature review, selecting and analyzing existing literature, and structuring and writing a quality literature review. Most importantly, the course develops skills in using evidence to create and present an engaging and critical argument.

Syllabus

What Is the Purpose of a Literature Review?
- This module introduces the purpose and importance of the literature review within the research process. You will explore how literature reviews help position your research within an existing field of study, identify the key components of an effective review, and learn essential best practices for critically engaging with and presenting scholarly literature.
What to Do Before You Start
- This module introduces the key preparation stages of conducting a literature review. You will learn how to clarify and refine your thinking, develop a focused research question, and create a structured plan for your review, providing a strong foundation for engaging with and synthesizing relevant literature in your field.
Selecting and Analyzing the Right Literature
- This module explores how to identify, evaluate, and work with scholarly sources to build a strong literature review. You will learn how to select high-quality journal articles, develop effective strategies for reading and understanding academic literature, and critically analyze key components of research publications to support and strengthen your own argument.
How Do I Create My Argument?
- This module explores the role of argument in writing an effective literature review. You will learn how to develop and present a clear, evidence-based argument, critically engage with existing research, and use relevant literature and data to build a coherent and persuasive case that supports your research focus.
How Do I Write My Argument?
- This module focuses on turning your ideas and evidence into a well-structured literature review. You will learn how to organize and present a clear academic argument, apply effective writing strategies, avoid common mistakes, and structure your literature review in a way that communicates your analysis clearly and persuasively.
How Should I Structure a Literature Review?
- This module provides a practical guide to writing a literature review, covering the key sections typically required and what each should achieve. Through examples and guidance, you will learn how to structure, develop, and write a strong literature review that meets academic expectations and effectively supports your research project.
Conduct a Literature Review Glossary and References
- In addition to the glossary you’ll find woven throughout the course, you can find the full glossary collated in one place here.