Literature Review Assignment Description: For this assignment, you will choose a

Literature Review Assignment
Description:
For this assignment, you will choose a topic pertaining to one of the variables selected for your research report and write a 4-5 page literature review. You are required to cite 5-8 sources scholarly sources. Build upon your previous assignments (Bibliography, Literature Map). Sources should be documented with in-text citations, and a bibliography in ASA format should be provided (note: this does not count towards your page limit).
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a literature review?
A literature review is a survey of scholarly articles, books, and other sources such as dissertations and conference proceedings that are relevant to a particular topic. A literature review has a specific organizational pattern that combines summary (a recap of information) and synthesis (a sketch of connections). The main objective of a literature review is to provide your audience with an overview of what the experts in a particular field say. In completing a literature review you will:
Survey the literature in a particular area
Synthesizes information
Critically analyzes information
Presents information in an organized manner
How is a literature review different from an academic research paper?
A literature review is often a component of an academic research paper. The literature review is intended to summarize and synthesize existing research whereas a research paper contributes new and novel ideas to the existing body of knowledge.
How do I start?
Choose a topic related to social inequality. Topics can include but are not limited to income and wealth inequality, gender inequality, sexuality, health and well-being, criminal justice. Consider the extent to which your topic of inequality organizes our society and/or the conditions which can reduce your topic of inequality. You might also begin by imagining that you work for a non-profit seeking to secure funding to reduce a social inequality.
Next visit the resources at the FSU library. Visit the sociology LibGuide at http://libguides.uncfsu.edu/sociologyLinks to an external site.. The library has subscriptions to many databases that you may use to complete keyword searches relevant to your topic. You may also complete keyword searches related to your topic on Google Scholar.
How do I choose which sources to use?
First and foremost, you want to ensure that you are using scholarly sources (see the attached guide on distinguishing between popular and scholarly journalsLinks to an external site.). Next, you can begin by readings the abstract of articles you’ve identified. You can also ask yourself the following questions:
Is it accurate?
Is it complete?
Is it up-to-date?
Is it supported by strong evidence?
Is it clearly relevant to my topic?
How do you synthesize information?
You can begin to synthesize information by looking for patterns and developing themes. Pay attention to things such as common findings, major debates or findings that are contested, the most influential theories being used; gaps or directions for future research. A good way to begin synthesis is to write a one or two-sentence statement that summarizes the major trends and developments you’ve noticed during your reading.
Where do I go if I need more help?
Please visit office hours schedule an appointment to meet with me. You may also visit these resources:
https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/literature-reviews/Links to an external site.
https://guides.library.ucsc.edu/write-a-literature-reviewLinks to an external site.
https://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/sites/default/files/Writing_a_Literature_review_assignment_2015_Accessible.pdfLinks to an external site.
Rubric
Literature Review
Literature Review
CriteriaRatingsPts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTopic Focus
10 to >8.0 ptsExemplary
Clearly states position and provides rationale.
8 to >7.0 ptsProficient
States position and provides rational, but may lack some clarity
7 to >3.0 ptsApprentice
States position but limited evidence of rationale
3 to >0 ptsIncomplete/Missing
Does not clearly state position and provides rationale.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReview of Sources
10 to >8.0 ptsExemplary
The literature review demonstrates an exceptional ability to judge arguments and evidence.
8 to >7.0 ptsProficient
The literature review demonstrates an ability to judge arguments and evidence.
7 to >3.0 ptsApprentice
The literature review demonstrates a superficial command of the topic.
3 to >0 ptsIncomplete/Missing
There is no indication that there is an understanding of the subject matter.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSynthesis of Sources
10 to >8.0 ptsExemplary
Information is presented content clearly and concisely with a logical progression of ideas and effective supporting evidence.
8 to >7.0 ptsProficient
Information is presented most of the content with a logical progression of ideas and supporting evidence.
7 to >3.0 ptsApprentice
Presented content which failed to maintain a consistent focus, showed minimal organization and effort, and lacked an adequate amount of supporting evidence.
3 to >0 ptsIncomplete/Missing
Presented content which was unfocused, poorly organized, showed little thought or effort and lacked supporting evidence.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeInternal Referencing and Bibliography
10 to >8.0 ptsExemplary
Information is gathered from 5-8 academic sources. Applies ASA referencing system with no major errors.
8 to >7.0 ptsProficient
Information is gathered from 5-8 academic sources. Applies ASA referencing system with minor errors.
7 to >3.0 ptsApprentice
Information is gathered from fewer than 5 sources. Applies ASA referencing system with several major errors.
3 to >0 ptsIncomplete/Missing
Information is gathered from fewer than 5 sources. The document has major citation errors and many instances where work was not cited.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting Mechanics/Language
10 to >8.0 ptsExemplary
No spelling &/or grammar mistakes. Cited all sources of information accurately to demonstrate the credibility and authority of the information presented.
8 to >7.0 ptsProficient
Minimal spelling &/or grammar mistakes. Cited most sources of information in proper format and documented sources to enable accuracy checking.
7 to >3.0 ptsApprentice
Noticeable spelling & grammar mistakes. Cited most sources of information improperly and provided little or no supporting documentation to check accuracy.
3 to >0 ptsIncomplete/Missing
Unacceptable number of spelling and/or grammar mistakes. Created citations which were incomplete or inaccurate, and provided no way to check the validity of the information gathered.
10 pts
Total Points: 50